Shubman Gill confirms Bumrah's availability, seeks perfect all rounder in the squad

After India's assistant coach's confirmation, India's captain Shubman Gill also confirmed that India's prime fast bowler Jasprit Bumrah is available for the Birmingham Test. However, Bumrah isn't their main concern. Gill stated that they are working on the mix that has an all-rounder with the capacity to score runs and take 20 wickets.

 

Before the second Test, Gill addressed the media and said,

 

"Jasprit Bumrah is available. We are trying to find the right combination which can pick 20 wickets and score runs as well. Will take final call after looking at the wicket for final time today."

 

Notably, India made sure that Bumrah will not be playing all five Tests, owing to his back issue. However, having eight days in between, he is believed to come fit, and might miss the third Test.

 

Read also: Why Do England and Australia Announce Playing XI Early?

 

Shubman Gill Owns Up to Defeat at Leeds

 

Reflectin on the loss to England at Leeds, Gill admitted that while the team played well in several phases, they were equally poor in crucial moments. “In the moments that were not that good, we played very badly,” he said, adding that such lapses can turn the game when facing a strong opposition like England.

 

Discussing the final day of the match, Gill remarked that the bowlers could not help much despite having 350 on the board. Howver, he credited his bowlers for maintaining tight lines early on but admitted that the lack of wickets made it easier for England to chase.

 

Gill also pointed out that as the Duke’s ball got older, run-scoring became easier. He said,  

 

"We saw with Duke's ball, especially on this ground, that as the ball gets older, it becomes easier to make runs, and if you don't take out the wicket, it becomes very difficult to contain the runs. So we did good bowling, we did consistent bowling, but because we couldn't take wickets, we didn't get half chances."

 

He also acknowledged dropped chances as a factor and took personal responsibility, saying, “I could have had a 50-run worth more partnership with Rishabh.” He concluded by emphasizing his learnings on both batting partnerships and run control.