How India can use the series against WI to prepare for Australia

5. Keep fast bowlers fit and fresh

England v India: Specsavers 5th Test - Day Two

India dearly missed Bumrah in the first two tests in England. One can only wonder if he would have helped finish the tail in Edgbaston and if he would have helped India put a fight in Lords. Along with Bumrah, Bhuvi, who was India’s man of the series the last time we went to England, was missed throughout the series.

Below is an assessment of the number of overs the Indian pacers bowled in England-

Picture 5: Indian work horses where made to work hard in England

As expected, the fast bowlers had a significant workload in England; Bumrah, who missed the first two matches averages more than 40 overs a match which is like playing 4-5 ODIs without a break. We saw Ishant breaking down in the last innings of the Oval test which can prove costly if that happens to be series decider in the future

Considering the effort that pacers will need to put in to help India deliver a winning performance in Australia, it is imperative for the management to keep the fast bowlers fresh and well rested. The 3-4 bowlers in the frame to play in the test matches should be rested from the T20 series which precedes the test matches. The trio from the England series, especially Bumrah should also be rested during the WI series.