Bond Backs Bumrah Over ODI Absence, Calls Criticism Harsh
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Former New Zealand fast bowler Shane Bond has backed Jasprit Bumrah over the India pacer's absence from the five-match ODI series against New Zealand, which starts at Eden Park in Auckland today.
Bond said it is harsh to suggest Bumrah is picking and choosing matches, arguing that senior bowlers manage their workload closely with medical staff and coaches, and that the riskiest time for a fast bowler is just after returning from injury and readjusting to competitive cricket.
Bumrah has been rested for the ODI series so he can focus on the two-Test series against New Zealand, which starts in Wellington on 19 November, with India also building towards next year's ODI World Cup.
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