India vs Australia: ‘I would not have sent him as the night-watchman,’ says Pragyan Ojha

India vs Australia: ‘I would not have sent him as the night-watchman,’ says Pragyan Ojha

Pragyan Ojha and Jasprit Bumrah

Pragyan Ojha and Jasprit Bumrah
Pragyan Ojha and Jasprit Bumrah

The Indian team sent Jasprit Bumrah as the night-watchman during the last few overs of the second day’s play in Adelaide. India lost the wicket of opener Prithvi Shaw during the third innings right before the stumps. Bumrah came to the crease instead of the visiting side’s regular number three batsman, Cheteshwar Pujara. 

Former Indian spinner Pragyan Ojha didn’t seem much satisfied with this decision of the team management. He said that Bumrah might have picked an injury while batting and the visitors can’t afford that as he’s their number one bowler.

“Bumrah with the ball is a bigger asset than going out there and batting. I would not have sent him (as the night-watchman). Maybe I would have sent somebody else but not Bumrah because he is your number one bowler,” Ojha said on Sports Today.

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“I have spoken to fast bowlers when they tour abroad. They have an extra layer of protection in their shoes to avoid injuries while batting. Those injuries can cost you the series. Because it’s Bumrah and we have another three Tests to go, as a team he is very important for us.”

I’m alright with Bumrah coming to bat: Deep Dasgupta

Jasprit Bumrah batted at number during the Adelaide Test

Jasprit Bumrah scored his maiden First-Class half-century during the second practice game against the Australians. And maybe that’s why the team management sent him over the likes of Ravi Ashwin, Umesh Yadav and Mohammed Shami. Former Indian wicketkeeper-batsman Deep Dasgupta also believed in this and backed the decision taken by team India.

“I agree with the decision because defensively he is your best option unless you want to send Ashwin. The whole concept of a night-watchman is to protect the batsman who’s out in there and those who are going to come after that,” Dasgupta said.

“If you’re looking at a defensive technique then I’d pick Bumrah over the others. I would have actually asked Ashwin if he wanted to bat as night-watchman even though I think he’s a proper batsman. But I’m alright with Bumrah going in.”

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