Bumrah will play if 50 per cent fit: Lal
More than half of the team is injured, top players are injured, and the absence of big players will definitely be there. As of now, it looks very tough for them to form even a playing 11. In the case of injuries, reserve players will get the chance- Madan Lal
New Delhi: Former India pacer and chief of the Cricket Advisory Committee Madan Lal feels the presence of pace spearhead Jasprit Bumrah in the playing XI will give the visitors an edge going into the series-deciding fourth Test at The Gabba, in Brisbane today.
India’s injury woes have compounded with each passing day and the latest in the list is Bumrah as the fast bowler has an abdominal strain. But the team management is clear that he will lead the attack in the series decider even if he is 50 per cent fit.
Lal feels there will be new challenges for India in Brisbane but the availability of Bumrah for the final Test will boost visitors’ confidence.
“Brisbane as a ground is different so I think challenges will be there for the Indian team. And I feel if Bumrah plays it will be beneficial for the Indian team,” Lal told ANI.
The Indian team though will miss the services of Sydney Test hero Hanuma Vihari as he has a Grade 2 tear on his right hamstring. While Vihari’s hamstring issue was noticeable, not many knew that even Ashwin had back issues on Monday morning. It was later revealed by his wife Prithi on social media.
Lal said India might be without the services of some big players and reserve players might get a chance to feature in the longest format of the game for the final game of the series which has seen both teams give it their all.
“Lot of problems is there in front of the Indian side. More than half of the team is injured, top players are injured, and the absence of big players will definitely be there. As of now, it looks very tough for them to form even a playing 11. In the case of injuries, reserve players will get the chance,” he pointed.