India have provided an update on Jasprit Bumrah’s fitness after England won a thrilling first Test in style.
Shubman Gill’s side appeared to be in the driving seat at Headingley after posting 471 and then leaving England 371 to win in the fourth innings.
But India’s bowlers were largely ineffective on day five and England reached the target with five wickets to spare.
England’s second highest run-chase was inspired by Ben Duckett’s brilliant 149 and contributions from Zak Crawley, Joe Root, Jamie Smith and Ben Stokes.
Bumrah, arguably the best bowler in the world, enjoyed a superb first-half to the Test, taking 5-83 in England’s first innings, but then went wicket-less in the second.
The 31-year-old, who has been recovering from a recent back injury, spent some of the final day off the field and was not given the new ball when England were heading to victory.
This sparked concern over Bumrah’s fitness and availability for the second Test, which starts next Wednesday at Edgbaston, but India insist he ‘should be fine’ to play.
It was never the plan for Bumrah to play all five Tests but India will be reluctant to be without him as England seek to open up a commanding 2-0 lead in Birmingham next week.
‘He is fine,’ Gill told BBC’s Test Match Special. ‘We will see closer to the next Test, but he should be fine.’
Speaking during the post-match presentation, Gill was asked about India’s plan for Bumrah and said: ‘It’s more game by game.
‘There’s a good break after this Test match so once we’re close to the match, we’ll see.’
More to follow…
