Mohammed Shami's absence affects Jasprit Bumrah but chances of injury... - Irfan Pathan

Former India pacer Irfan Pathan has accepted that Mohammed Shami’s absence from the IND vs ENG Test series will have an effect on Jasprit Bumrah. However, Irfan Pathan doesn’t feel that Jasprit Bumrah’s injury scare will increase in Shami’s absence.

Mohammed Shami is not part of the ongoing India vs England Test series due to an injury. Shami and Bumrah have been two crucial pillars of India’s Test side for the last few years. They have been regular members of the pace department for the last few years in the longest format.

However, due to a back injury, Jasprit Bumrah was almost out of the field for one year before making his comeback in August last year. Bumrah underwent back surgery which was a result of his complex bowling action. However, the right-arm pacer has executed wonderful performances since his comeback.

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I have been a big fan of Jasprit Bumrah’s attitude: Irfan Pathan

While speaking on PTI TV, former left-arm pacer Irfan Pathan said Jasprit Bumrah’s injury scare does not increase with Mohammed Shami’s absence in the IND vs ENG Test series. He also added he is a big fan of Bumrah’s attitude of giving priority to Test Cricket.

“Obviously, [Mohammed] Shami’s absence does have an effect but that does not mean chances of injury will increase for [Jasprit] Bumrah. His action is absolutely perfect now,” the cricketer-turned-commentator said.

“I have been a big fan of Jasprit Bumrah’s attitude, especially in Test cricket, the way he has given priority to Test cricket despite injuries. Even if he gets injured, I will salute him because he is trying his best. We all have to always keep this in mind,” added Pathan.

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Bumrah-Shami partnership reduces pressures from both: Irfan Pathan

Reflecting on Jasprit Bumrah-Mohammed Shami’s combination in Tests, Irfan Pathan said their partnership reduces pressure from each other and helps the team.

“When there is pressure from both sides, whether it is Shami taking wickets from one side or Bumrah working quietly from one side. Bumrah is taking wickets and Shami is working quietly, their partnership not only reduces the pressure on each other but also works well for the team,” concluded 39-year-old Pathan.

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Jasprit Bumrah hunted 6 wickets in IND vs ENG 1st Test

Meanwhile, Team India has Avesh Khan and Mohammed Siraj as other pacers in the squad for the India vs England Test series. Jasprit Bumrah showed a stunning form in the opening Test by picking 6 wickets. He grabbed a crucial 4-wicket haul in the 2nd innings.

However, despite his efforts, Team India could not save the Test match. With a stunning batting show by Ollie Pope (196) and spinner Tom Harley (7 wickets) in 2nd innings, England won the match by 28 runs.

Interestingly, England pulled out a victory despite a trail of 190 runs after 1st innings. Posting a 420-run total in 2nd innings, the visitors set up a 231-run target for Team India which the latter failed to chase down.

India vs England Test series consists of 5 Tests. England leads the series 1-0. The IND vs ENG 2nd Test commences on Friday, February 2 at Y.S. Rajasekhara Reddy Cricket Stadium in Visakhapatnam.