'Going to cause India problems' - Brad Hogg on Jasprit Bumrah's absence in 4th Test

Former Australia National Cricket Team spin bowler Brad Hogg has shared his thoughts on the absence of the premier pacer Jasprit Bumrah in the fourth Test of the ongoing five-match series between India and England.

Bumrah, who is regarded as one of the best pacers in the world, has been in red-hot form in the ongoing Test series against the Three Lions. He has demolished the England batting unit with his sheer class and is currently the leading wicket-taker in the series.

The right-arm quick has taken 17 wickets in 3 matches and picked up his wickets at an average of 13.64. He was also named the Player of the Match for his heroics in the Vizag Test against England.

Despite being in great form and fitness, the Indian team management has decided to give him a break for the fourth Test and he has been released from the squad. The pacer is expected to rejoin the team for the 5th Test and the decision to rest Bumrah has been made to manage his workload by keeping in mind the hectic schedule.

In a video shared on his official YouTube channel, Brad Hogg stated that the absence of Bumrah would be an advantage for England and it would cause problems for the hosts. He also opined that Mohammed Siraj, who will lead the pace attack, will come under a lot of pressure without Jasprit Bumrah.

“Bumrah not playing the next match is obviously going to play in the hands of England. Getting a bit of reverse swing, he is probably the best fast bowler in this Test series. It is going to cause India some problems going into the next game. It is going to put a lot of pressure on Siraj.”

If Mumbai Indians miss Jasprit Bumrah, they won’t be doing well either – Brad Hogg

The ex-Australia star further acknowledged that giving rest to the premier Indian pacer was important and said:

“You have to manage his workload. As a fast bowler, playing all three formats is the toughest thing in cricket. You need to preserve him for the T20 World Cup around the corner. Mumbai Indians need him too in the IPL. If they miss him, they won’t be doing well either.”

In his video, Brad Hogg also expressed his admiration for the leadership of Rohit Sharma in the series against the Bazballers. He praised the Indian captain for backing his bowlers to the fullest. He said:

“I am loving the way Rohit Sharma is captaining this team against England. I like the way he is backing his bowlers. Yes, England are going hard against the bowlers, but you got to show the courage to set the right fields and give your bowlers the best chance of picking wickets.”

The series currently stands at 2-1 with the India National Cricket Team in the lead. The high-voltage fourth Test match will be played from February 23 at the JSCA International Stadium Complex, Ranchi. A win for India would seal them the series and end the Test series winning streak of Ben Stokes.