Irfan Pathan has sparked a fresh debate by slamming India’s cautious approach with their fast bowlers during the third Test at Lord’s, claiming it cost them the match against England. After India’s 22-run loss to England at Lord’s, Pathan criticized the Indian cricket team management for their overprotective strategy, especially for Jasprit Bumrah.

While England captain Ben Stokes and Jofra Archer threw themselves into the Lord’s battle without caring about their workload and injury histories, India was more focused on managing Jasprit Bumrah’s overs than seizing the moment in the third test.

Irfan Pathan blasts India’s cautious use of Jasprit Bumrah at Lord’s

Despite having six bowling options, India couldn’t match the sheer intensity shown by England’s pace duo on the final day at Lord’s. Jasprit Bumrah bowled fewer overs in the second innings despite being India’s main weapon.

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On the other hand, Stokes delivered a fierce 9-over morning spell, took five wickets, batted with grit, and even produced a stunning run-out to remove Rishabh Pant at Lord’s. Archer, who was making a Test comeback after four years, bowled long spells like he had never been away, dismantling India’s middle order with fire and precision and making a significant impact.

After the match, Pathan felt that India’s obsession with preserving Jasprit Bumrah for later stages went against the team, and England made the most of the opportunity to make a comeback and won the game.

Jasprit Bumrah bowls five overs and waits for Joe Root: Irfan Pathan

Irfan Pathan said in a video on his YouTube channel, “Ben Stokes bowled a marathon 9.2-over spell in the morning on day five. What a player he is. He bowls, bats, and executes a crucial run-out of Rishabh Pant, but there is no talk of workload management. But with India it is not like that. Jasprit Bumrah bowls five overs and waits for Joe Root to come out to bat when you need to control the game (in the second innings). It was disappointing.”

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Pathan added, “His workload was managed, having not played at Edgbaston. When you play a match, there is no workload. You have to win at all costs. The Indian camp could have done that better. Archer was playing a Test match after four years, but he did not stop. He bowled a six-over spell in the morning before returning to bowl again. Ben Stokes did not think about workload at all; if he can bowl nine overs, hum toh peeche rah gaye (Indian pacers were left behind).”

Ravindra Jadeja’s grit goes in vain, Mohammed Siraj in tears as England seal 2-1 lead

Meanwhile, Ravindra Jadeja played a gritty knock of 61* off 181 balls to keep India in the hunt during their chase of 193 against England in the third Test at Lord’s, but Mohammed Siraj’s wicket by Shoaib Bashir left the players heartbroken as England won the game by 22 runs on July 14.

Ravindra Jadeja and Mohammed Siraj looked heartbroken after the heartbreaking defeat. The Indian pair fought hard till the end, but their brave effort fell just short of a historic win. As emotions ran high, England players Zak Crawley and Joe Root walked over to comfort a tearful Siraj.

Ben Stokes also showed a great gesture by putting his arm around Jadeja, appreciating his fighting spirit. With this thrilling win, England now leads the five-match Test series 2-1. India will look to bounce back strongly at Old Trafford in Manchester, where the fourth Test will be played from July 23.