Veteran Indian all-rounder Irfan Pathan has urged pace sensation Jasprit Bumrah to step up and the plate in the next fourth Test against England at Old Trafford on Wednesday.
India is currently 1-2 behind in the ongoing five-match series, making the next Test a must-win to stay alive in the series.
Bumrah, playing his last Test of the tour, will be the key to India's chances of leveling the series before departing for London for the third Test. Although Pathan credited Bumrah for his greatness and consistency, he stressed the need to go over the top for the team whenever needed.
I love Bumrah; his talent is amazing," Pathan stated in his YouTube channel. "But I feel that if you play for India, you need to give it your everything. If you're talking about a five-over spell, when [Joe] Root walks out, you are not going to bowl the sixth over—you have to leave everything. Either you give everything or you get rested properly. When you're representing your country, the team is important.
Pathan's comments are after India's narrow defeat in the third Test, in which England captain Ben Stokes was awarded the Player of the Match after his all-round heroics. Stokes bowled 44 overs, one of the heaviest spells of his life, despite the continued workload management issues. He also contributed significantly with the bat, hitting 44 and 33, and affected a crucial run-out of Rishabh Pant in the first innings.
Stokes proved his dedication on the last day by taking a 9.2-over morning spell followed by returning post-lunch for a 10-over rampage in which he dismissed the crucial wickets of KL Rahul and Jasprit Bumrah, securing England a 22-run win.
In contrast, Bumrah bowled 43 overs in the same game, after a break following missing out on the Edgbaston Test. Though his contribution was impressive, Pathan opined that doing that little bit extra—like Stokes had done—could be what makes one a great player.
England was supplemented by the return of Jofra Archer, a red-ball comeback after four years. With little recent experience owing to injuries, Archer reached speeds of 150 kmph in a burst and finished with 5/105, jolting Indian batters with his pace and accuracy.
Pathan made it clear that he wasn't doubting Bumrah's effort and intention, but stressed having a bit more when the situation demands.
Not questioning that he hasn't worked hard. He has bowled overs. There is no doubt about it," Pathan said. "But when it comes to going an extra mile for the team, you need to do that. Bumrah will be sitting on top for a long time if he keeps on winning matches repeatedly for India. You need to put in that extra effort when the team requires you.". Ben Stokes did the same and Jofra did so after four years.
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