Jasprit Bumrah instructed to leave Test Cricket after Adelaide Test loss

Former Pakistan fast bowler Shoaib Akhtar believes Jasprit Bumrah should prioritize shorter formats over Test cricket due to a "lack of pace" needed to sustain success in the longer format. Akhtar said that Test cricket demands longer spells and the ability to adapt when conditions don't offer assistance.

Jasprit Bumrah has managed his workload to stay available for key matches across all formats. The right-arm pacer played in three Test matches against Australia. He was the captain when India secured victory during the series opener in Perth. Bumrah is currently the No. 1 ranked bowler in Test cricket.

Jasprit Bumrah Has a High Risk of Getting Injured - Shoaib Akhtar

During an appearance on the TNKS podcast, Shoaib Akhtar shared his thoughts on Bumrah's bowling. Akhtar praised Bumrah for his line and length in shorter formats but expressed doubts about his effectiveness in Test cricket. He highlighted that longer spells can be challenging for him.

The former cricketer recalled Bumrah’s underwhelming performance in a home series against New Zealand. Akhtar said that Bumrah needs to increase his pace to excel in Test cricket. However, he cautioned that attempting to bowl faster could lead to injuries.

"You know, in Test cricket, you have to bowl longer spells. The batters don't try to attack you, so length becomes irrelevant. You struggle if the ball doesn't seam then. When you start struggling, the team will start questioning. I think he is a good enough fast bowler to take wickets in Test cricket," Akhtar said.

"Although he didn't do much in the Test series against New Zealand, it happens. But if he wants to continue playing Test cricket, he has to increase pace. With injection of increasing pace, he has a high risk of getting injured. If I was Jasprit Bumrah, I'd stick to shorter formats. It only depends on how I feel," he added.

He Is a Very Good Fast Bowler for the Shorter Formats - Shoaib Akhtar

During the same interview, Shoaib Akhtar said that Jasprit Bumrah is a very good fast bowler for the shorter formats as he understands line and length. The former pacer stated that Bumrah does a great job in death overs and the powerplay with his brilliant accuracy.

"He is a very good fast bowler for the shorter formats. He understands line and length. His accuracy is brilliant. I think he does a great job in death overs, in powerplay and he can swing the ball both ways," Akhtar continued.

Jasprit Bumrah Leading Wicket-Taker in Border-Gavaskar Trophy 2024-25

The five-match Test series between India and Australia is hanging in the balance at 1-1 after both teams won a game each. Jasprit Bumrah has been the standout performer for India. He is leading the wicket tally with 12 wickets at an average of 11.25.

However, he picked up a niggle during the second Test in Adelaide, raising concerns among Indian fans. Bumrah is fit for the crucial third Test, but his workload is a worry for the remainder of the series. The third Test began on Saturday, December 14, in Brisbane.

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