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The recent Lord's Test between England and India has ignited a debate surrounding the utilization of key players, particularly pacers, during crucial junctures of the match. Former Indian all-rounder Irfan Pathan has voiced his concerns over what he perceives as a disparity in workload management between England's Ben Stokes and India's Jasprit Bumrah. Pathan's critique stems from Stokes' remarkable performance on the final day of the Test, where he bowled marathon spells that significantly contributed to England's narrow 22-run victory and a 2-1 lead in the five-match series. Stokes' resilience and impact, both with the ball and in executing a crucial run-out, stand in stark contrast, according to Pathan, to the seemingly cautious approach taken with Bumrah. Pathan argues that Bumrah, a premier bowler for India, wasn't utilized to his full potential during key phases of the match, particularly when the game was hanging in the balance. He points out instances where Bumrah bowled short spells, implying a reluctance to push him beyond his perceived workload limit, especially when compared to Stokes' extended spells. This, Pathan suggests, ultimately hampered India's chances of clinching the victory. The core of Pathan's argument lies in the strategic difference in how both teams managed their star players under pressure. While England seemingly unleashed Stokes, capitalizing on his unwavering commitment and physical endurance, India appeared more circumspect with Bumrah, potentially prioritizing long-term fitness over immediate match impact. This contrast raises questions about the overall team strategy, risk assessment, and the balance between workload management and seizing critical opportunities in high-stakes matches. Pathan's remarks also touch upon the broader narrative surrounding player workload and the increasing emphasis on managing athletes to prevent injuries and ensure longevity. While this is undeniably crucial in modern cricket, Pathan's criticism suggests that there might be a tendency to overemphasize workload management, potentially sacrificing the team's immediate prospects in the process. The debate further highlights the complex interplay between player fitness, strategic decision-making, and the high-pressure environment of international cricket. It compels analysts and fans alike to scrutinize the nuanced strategies employed by different teams and to evaluate the effectiveness of their approaches in maximizing player potential and achieving desired outcomes. The contrasting approaches to Stokes and Bumrah, as pointed out by Pathan, provide a valuable case study for understanding the delicate balance between managing workload and capitalizing on crucial moments in a Test match, a balance that can ultimately determine the fate of a series.