Following India's disappointing 5-wicket defeat against England in the first Test at Headingley, Leeds, veteran fast bowler Mohammed Shami has delivered a strong message to the team's bowling attack, emphasizing the critical need to support Jasprit Bumrah. Shami, currently sidelined due to fitness concerns, made his observations via his YouTube channel, highlighting that Bumrah cannot be expected to carry the entire burden of the bowling unit alone.

The Headingley Test saw England chase down their second-highest target in Test history, reaching 373/5 after India set a target of 371. While Jasprit Bumrah showcased his brilliance with a 5-wicket haul in the first innings, he went wicketless in the second, as England's batsmen successfully navigated his threat and capitalized on opportunities against other bowlers.

Shami pointed out that other bowlers need to learn from Bumrah, India's premier fast bowler. He suggested that the bowling unit should communicate effectively with Bumrah to align their strategies and support him. Shami stressed that if the other bowlers support Bumrah, India can easily win matches, and that the team needs to do a little work in the bowling department. He noted that Bumrah's first-innings performance was exceptional, but the English batters were more watchful against him in the second innings, which resulted in him going wicketless.

Shami also addressed the performance of Shardul Thakur and Prasidh Krishna, who picked up two wickets each in the second innings. He stated that their wickets had little impact on the game because England was already in a dominant position. He emphasized the importance of taking wickets with the new ball to put pressure on the opposition early in the innings. He also added that England won the first Test because India gave too many easy runs and the team needs to find out how to make their bowling side strong.

Shami isn't part of the squad for the ongoing series, as chief selector Ajit Agarkar revealed that he isn't fit enough to play a five-match Test series. With Shami's absence, the responsibility falls on the shoulders of relatively inexperienced players. While Prasidh Krishna and Shardul Thakur have shown promise, they lack consistency at the highest level.

Concerns have also been raised about Bumrah's workload, considering his history with injuries. Over-reliance on Bumrah not only risks potential burnout but also makes the team's tactics predictable.

Shami's message underscores the necessity for the Indian bowlers to step up and provide consistent support to Bumrah throughout the series. Effective communication, strategic planning, and the ability to take wickets with the new ball are crucial elements that the team must address to strengthen their bowling attack and secure victories in the remaining Test matches.