Jasprit Bumrah has been rested for the forthcoming One-Day International series against Australia and the tour of New Zealand, the Board of Control for Cricket in India announced on Tuesday (January 8). Mohammed Siraj has been named his replacement.
Meanwhile, Siddarth Kaul has also been drafted into the squad for the three-match T20I series against New Zealand.
“Keeping in mind the work load of the bowler, it was best felt to give him (Bumrah) adequate rest ahead of the home series against Australia,” stated the release.
Bumrah scalped 21 wickets in India’s 2-1 victory over Australia in the four-match series and bowled a total of 157.1 overs – more than any other Indian bowlers. In fact, only Nathan Lyon (242.1) bowled more overs than him in the series.
Siraj, who has played three T20Is, picked up seven wickets for Hyderabad in their last Ranji Trophy clash against Punjab. The right-arm paceman has been a consistent performer for India A, and recently had a decent tour of New Zealand with them.
Meanwhile, Kaul too has been in superb form for his state Punjab in the ongoing Ranji Trophy. The 24-year-old also travelled with India A to New Zealand where he took seven wickets in three 50-over encounters. Kaul has so far played three ODIs and two T20Is.
India will play three ODIs against Australia on January 12, 15 and 18 before flying to New Zealand. The five-match ODI series against the Black Caps will get underway from January 23, and the tour will then end with three T20Is (February 6, 8 and 10).