'I Have Heard Rumors...': Deep Dasgupta Reflects On Jasprit Bumrah's Availability Ahead Of IND Vs ENG 4th Test; Video
As the Anderson-Tendulkar Trophy hangs in the balance, former Indian cricketer Deep Dasgupta has stressed the importance of including pace spearhead Jasprit Bumrah in the playing XI for the upcoming fourth Test. With England leading the five-match series 2-1 after wins at Headingley and Lord’s, India now find themselves in a must-win situation heading into the penultimate match.
Bumrah, who was rested for the second Test as part of his workload management plan, is reportedly expected to feature in only three matches of the series. According to emerging reports, the original plan was for the fast bowler to play the first, third, and fifth Tests. However, Dasgupta believes the current scenario demands a rethink.
IND Vs ENG: King Charles III Meets Indian Men's & Women's Cricket Team At St. James's Palace In London; VideoSpeaking to Star Sports, Dasgupta said, “Jasprit Bumrah in the fourth Test, absolutely yes. I've heard rumors that the plan for him was to play in the 1st, 3rd and 5th Tests. But since India are 2-1 behind, the fourth Test becomes very, very crucial for comeback. You would definitely want the world's best bowler to play.”
With India needing a win to keep the series alive, Dasgupta’s comments echo the sentiments of many fans and experts who view Bumrah’s presence as vital to India’s hopes. The star pacer has been in stellar form and is widely regarded as the best fast bowler in world cricket today.
'How Only 1 Team Has Been...': Michael Vaughan Questions ICC's Decision Over Penalising England For Slow Overrate During Lord's Test
Former England captain Michael Vaughan has openly criticised the International Cricket Council (ICC) for penalising only England team for slow over rates during the recently concluded third Test between England and India at Lord’s. Taking to social media, Vaughan expressed his frustration, calling the decision "beyond me" and highlighting that both teams were equally guilty of poor over rates.
“Let’s be honest, both teams' over rates at Lord’s were very, very poor. How only 1 team has been reprimanded is beyond me,” Vaughan wrote on X (formerly Twitter), triggering widespread debate among fans and cricket experts alike.
The ICC had earlier confirmed that England had been docked 2 points and fined 10 percent for maintaining a slow over rate during the match, which England won by 22 runs. However, there was no similar sanction announced for the Indian side.
Vaughan’s remarks reflect growing concern among former players and analysts about consistency in the application of rules, particularly those relating to over rates, a long-standing issue in modern Test cricket. He emphasised that fairness should be paramount and called on cricket’s governing body to ensure equal treatment for all teams.
The controversy has added to the buzz surrounding the ongoing Test series between England and India, which England currently leads 2-1. With two more matches to go, attention will not only be on the cricketing action but also on how match regulations are enforced moving forward.