India’s loss to England in the third Test at Lord’s has sparked criticism, particularly over how Jasprit Bumrah was managed during the match. Former cricketer Irfan Pathan slammed the team’s workload management policy, pointing out that while England captain Ben Stokes bowled long spells and delivered with the bat, India’s pace spearhead was barely used in key moments.
In the match, Stokes scored 44 and 33 with the bat and bowled a combined 44 overs, taking five wickets. He was named Player of the Match for his all-round effort. In contrast, Bumrah bowled just five overs in the crucial second innings on Day 5, despite India being in a position to apply pressure.
Speaking on his YouTube channel, Pathan said, “Stokes bowled a nine-over spell in the morning and gave everything. But in India, we talk about workload management. Bumrah waited for Joe Root to come out, but you needed to control the game right there.”
He added, “You manage workload when a player is resting. Not in the middle of a match when the team is fighting for a win.”
Extras, Strategy, and Missed Opportunities Haunt India
Pathan also pointed out that India conceded far too many extras, which made a big difference in such a closely fought game. “India gave away 31 extras in the first innings and 32 in the second. If we had given even half of that, the result might have been different,” he said.
India had England in trouble in multiple sessions but failed to finish the job. Pathan compared Bumrah’s limited spell to other pacers like Jofra Archer, who returned after four years and bowled longer spells. “If Archer and Stokes can go all in, what stopped us?” Pathan asked.
With the series now standing at 2-1 in England’s favor, the criticism is mounting. India will have to make adjustments quickly as the fourth Test begins in Manchester on July 23.
The focus is now on how India manages its bowling resources moving forward—and whether Jasprit Bumrah will be allowed to take charge when the team needs him the most.
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