India has received a major boost with Bumrah to Play 4th Test against England at Old Trafford. After losing the third Test at Lord’s and trailing 2-1 in the five-match series, India is now looking to bounce back with their pace ace returning to the squad. This news comes as a relief, especially after a series of injuries hit India’s bowling lineup.
On Monday, during a media interaction in Manchester, fast bowler Mohammed Siraj confirmed that Bumrah to Play 4th Test was the only thing certain about India’s pace attack so far. With injuries to Akash Deep and Arshdeep Singh, the rest of the bowling combination remains undecided. However, Bumrah’s inclusion is a clear signal of India’s intention to fight back hard in the remaining games.
India had initially planned for Bumrah to feature in only three of the five Tests in the series due to workload management. Now, with Bumrah to Play 4th Test, there is a possibility he could be available for the fifth match as well, depending on the outcome in Manchester. If India wins and levels the series, the final match at The Oval could become a series decider.
READ MORE:
Akash Deep Still in Doubt; Selection Hangs in Balance
The biggest uncertainty for India right now, apart from Bumrah to Play 4th Test, is whether Akash Deep will be fit in time. He bowled at practice but only into the gloves of bowling coach Morne Morkel, not at full pace. Team doctors are watching him closely to decide if he can last through five days of a Test match. If not, India will need a backup option.
With Bumrah to Play 4th Test, the team might choose between Prasidh Krishna and the uncapped Anshul Kamboj as the third seamer. Prasidh played the first two Tests but gave away too many runs. His high economy rate might be a concern, especially in a must-win game. However, his role in earlier matches was to bowl aggressive short spells.
Anshul Kamboj is a young fast bowler who could make his Test debut if picked. He has impressed in first-class cricket and earned praise from MS Dhoni during the IPL. With Bumrah to Play 4th Test, India could consider Kamboj a smart option if Akash Deep isn’t fully fit, especially since Kamboj is known for getting good seam movement.
India also lost Nitish Kumar Reddy to injury after the third Test. He had impressed as the fourth seamer at Lord’s, but now that spot could go to either Shardul Thakur or Sai Sudharsan. With Bumrah to Play 4th Test, India might go with an extra fast bowler instead of a second spinner, especially if conditions favour pace.
Pant Returns After Finger Injury; Will Keep Wickets
Another big boost for India is Bumrah to Play 4th Test alongside Rishabh Pant, who looks fit again after a finger injury he picked up during the Lord’s Test. Pant had not kept wickets after getting hurt in the first innings but still batted in both innings. Now, after a full training session, he looks ready to return behind the stumps.
Pant spent over two hours on Monday doing wicketkeeping drills and batting practice. India had considered Dhruv Jurel as a backup keeper in case Pant couldn’t manage. But with Bumrah to Play 4th Test and Pant looking fully fit, that backup plan may no longer be needed. Still, India must be careful since they can’t use a substitute keeper if Pant’s injury flares up during the match.
The pitch conditions at Old Trafford and the weather forecast may also play a part in selection. Light rain is expected on the first two days and the last day. With Bumrah to Play 4th Test, any interruptions could actually help manage his workload and allow him to stay fresh for a possible fifth Test if required.
Initially, team plans included Bumrah to Play as his final appearance of the series, but if the series goes to the final match, the team might ask him to play again. His performance in Manchester could decide whether India enters the fifth Test with a shot at winning the series.
India lost the first Test at Headingley and the third at Lord’s, but won the second at Edgbaston. With Bumrah to Play 4th Test, the team will hope to level the series 2-2 and set up a thrilling finale at The Oval.
SEE MORE:
