India skipper Virat Kohli is banking on the aggression of pacer Jasprit Bumrah who returns to the squad for the third Test against England at Trent Bridge.
Kohli feels the bowler will bring the consistency required to test the English batsmen on wickets that have largely favoured the fast bowlers so far.
“Very excited with Jasprit getting fit again. He’s an attacking bowler who bowls in the right line and length and consistently hitting the right areas required to do well in Tests,” said Kohli ahead of India’s third Test which starts on Saturday.
“He’s shown that in South Africa already. He’s one guys who is aggressive in his mind and makes the batsmen feel uncomfortable in the middle. Great to have someone like that on the park,” he added.
Kohli hinted that, conditions permitting, India will prefer to go with the same combination from the previous two Tests, stating that the priority was to take all 20 wickets rather than shoring up the batting.
“If the pitch has a bit of both for the batsmen and bowlers, then the priority is to pick up 20 wickets. Batsmen still have to take responsibility and score the runs, but I have spoken about this before it doesn’t matter how many runs we have its about bowling out the opposition,” said Kohli.
He also clarified that he was feeling much better after suffering a back spasm during the second Test at Lord’s. “I am feeling fine, absolutely fine. Bit of rest and ample rehab should get me fit,” he said.
Watch the full press conference here.