Jasprit Bumrah will be really missed in this WTC final – S. Sreesanth

Former Indian fast bowler Sreesanth reckons Jasprit Bumrah will be really missed in the World Test Championship final against Australia. Bumrah has been out of action due to a back injury and could not take part in the T20 World Cup 2022 and also IPL 2023.

Bumrah last played a Test match for India against England in July 2022 and has been out of action since September 2022. The gun fast bowler recently underwent back surgery in New Zealand and he could take a couple of months to get back to action.

In fact, Bumrah has a decent record while playing in English conditions as he has scalped 37 wickets in nine Test matches at an average of 26.27.

Furthermore, Bumrah has a fantastic record while playing against Australia as he has scalped 32 wickets in seven Test matches at an impressive average of 21.25. However, in the absence of Jasprit Bumrah, the pace battery onus will be on the shoulders of Mohammed Shami, Mohammed Siraj, and Umesh Yadav.

S. Sreesanth said on Star Sports: “Absolutely, Bumrah will be really missed in this WTC (final) because it’s a helpful condition and Bumrah is one bowler who cannot just bowl good new ball spells but he is effective in all balls as well, especially with the yorkers.”

“And even in slow balls, especially in (the) Oval wicket. I have played there and the variety will be very important there. So Bumrah brings that X-factor but someone else has to fill in his shoes.”

Meanwhile, Shami has been in magnificent form as he ended IPL 2023 as the leading wicket-taker with 28 scalps in 17 matches for Gujarat Titans and played a key role in taking the franchise to the final of the tournament. Sreesanth lauded Shami for sticking to the basics, irrespective of the format.

“Mohammed Shami has done extremely well in this year’s IPL also and the best part…. He never changed anything for T20 or a One-Day match. He comes and hits the deck hard and that’s something you can really purchase out of the wicket, especially in the Oval wicket.”

“There will always be something for a fast bowler, especially in Lube sport. When it’s shining then no one likes Shami with his beautiful seam position.”

The World Test Championship final will be played at the Oval from June 7.