New Delhi: Former Indian all-rounder Irfan Pathan has sent a blunt message to ace pacer Jasprit Bumrah ahead of the crucial fourth Test match in Manchester. The fourth and second-last Test of the five-game series will begin at the Old Trafford from July 23 and Bumrah’s participation in the match hangs in a balance after it was announced that he will play only three Test matches.
After playing the first Test at Leeds, Bumrah skipped the second contest in Edgbaston and then took part in the third match at Lord’s. Having already played two Test matches, the ace pacer has one more Test left to play as announced by head coach Gautam Gambhir ahead of the start of the series. With the series currently poised at 2-1 in England’s favour, Bumrah is expected to ideally be a part of the must-win game for India.
Give everything or rest properly: Pathan
Meanwhile, Pathan advised the star pacer to give everything for the team or rest properly instead of selective participation for workload management. On the eve of the Manchester Test match, the former Indian player expressed his adulation for the ace pacer’s skills with the ball but at the same time, urged him to put some extra effort when the situation demands.
‘I absolutely adore Jasprit Bumrah, I absolutely love his skills. He is outstanding. However, I believe that when you play for India, you have to give it your all. When you talk about a five-over spell, when Root comes, you are not bowling the sixth over. You have to give it all. Either you give everything or you rest properly,’ Pathan said on his Youtube channel.
‘When it comes to a nation or a team, when you are playing for a team, you play for them. Team always comes first,’ the former India left-arm seamer added.
Both the Tests the fast bowler has participated in, he has achieved immense success but despite that, the hosts lost both these matches. With India at the brink of a series defeat if they go down in the forthcoming match, demand for Bumrah’s inclusion are on a high.