As Team India heads into the must-win fourth Test at Old Trafford, the pressure is immense to keep the series alive. Amidst all the pre-match talks, a major talking point is Jasprit Bumrah’s availability. The team has faced sharp criticism over Bumrah’s workload management, especially in contrast to England’s Ben Stokes, who led from the front at Lord’s. Meanwhile, India’s assistant coach Ryan ten Doeschate has addressed the growing comparisons with a firm response to critics.

Ryan ten Doeschate opens on Bumrah vs Stokes workload debate

Speaking in the press conference, ten Doeschate acknowledged that it was super impressive for Stokes to come out on the last day and bowl the number of overs he did with such intensity, while also batting and fielding. However, he clarified that the team isn’t looking to compare their bowlers with individuals from other teams. He added that India has its own strengths, and Jasprit thrives in shorter, impactful spells.

“That was super impressive for Ben to come out on their last day and bowl the amount of overs he did with the intensity he did, and obviously bats and fields as well. We’re not here to compare our bowlers to individuals from other teams,” ten Doeschate said in a press conference. We have our own strengths. We know what Jasprit particularly does in spells, in shorter spells, which he prefers bowling in,” he said.

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Bumrah’s brilliant performance in the going series

Despite missing the Edgbaston Test, Bumrah has made a strong impact in the ongoing series. Across just two matches, he has picked up 12 wickets in four innings at an impressive average of 21, including two five-wicket hauls. His knack for making early breakthroughs and breaking key partnerships has proven invaluable. With the series hanging in the balance, Bumrah’s presence is crucial to India’s hopes of levelling the series.

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