Former England cricketer turned veteran commentator David Lloyd said Team India seems to win more when speedster Jasprit Bumrah doesn’t play, when discussing his participation in the fourth Test at Manchester. The veteran also picked up his second five-wicket haul in the series in the third Test at Lord’s. However, India suffered a heartbreaking 22-run defeat in the third Test.

Talking about Bumrah on the TalkSport Cricket Podcast, Lloyd said (via Hindustan Times): “That’s extraordinary. There was something that said when he plays they lose more than when he doesn’t play, and he is like the best bowler in the world. And he is awkward and nasty with his action, but a thoroughly decent fella. It is what they’ve said and what the coach Gautam Gambhir said that he will play three out of the five Tests. So, he’s got a choice.”

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David Lloyd also believes Jasprit Bumrah will play the fourth Test at Manchester and decide on the series finale based on the scoreline. Trailing 1-2 in the series, India must win the fourth Test to level the series as well.

“If he plays this next one at Old Trafford and they get a result to make it 2-2, you’d think he’d play at The Oval as well. I’m second-guessing, but I think he’ll play this next game and see where they are. If England go 3-1, he won’t play. But if it’s 2-2, he will play at the Oval,” said Lloyd.

“It is what they’ve said and what the coach Gautam Gambhir said that he will play three out of the five Tests. So, he’s got a choice. There are two matches to go. He’s played two. If they are true to their words, he should play this next game at Old Trafford. But then, you know, they can manoeuvre that, can’t they?,” David Lloyd concluded.