India’s Test series hopes hang in the balance as they contemplate playing Jasprit Bumrah in the fourth Test against England in Manchester next week. With the hosts leading the five-match series 2-1, a win at Old Trafford would seal the series for England—prompting the Indian team management to reconsider their workload strategy for their pace spearhead.
Bumrah, who made a successful comeback earlier this year following back surgery, was originally scheduled to play only three of the five Tests to manage his fitness. After skipping the second Test in Birmingham, his availability for the Manchester Test is now a strong possibility.
“We know we have got him for one of the last two Tests,” said India assistant coach Ryan ten Doeschate on Thursday. “It’s pretty obvious that the series is on the line now in Manchester, so there will be a leaning towards playing him.”
However, the coaching staff is still evaluating conditions and Bumrah’s readiness to ensure they don’t compromise his long-term fitness. “We’ve got to look at all the factors—how many days of cricket we’re going to get, what gives us the best chance of winning, and how that fits in with the Oval Test,” added ten Doeschate.
Bumrah’s impact has been undeniable. Despite India losing both matches he played at Lord’s and Leeds, the pacer delivered five-wicket hauls in each, cementing his reputation as arguably the best all-format bowler of his generation.
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Meanwhile, wicketkeeper Rishabh Pant, who sustained a finger injury at Lord’s, sat out Thursday’s batting practice. Still, ten Doeschate is confident Pant will take the field.
“I don’t think you’re going to keep Rishabh out of the Test no matter what,” said the former Dutch international. “He batted with quite a lot of pain in the third Test and it’s only going to get easier and easier on his finger.”
With the series at a tipping point, all eyes will be on India’s final selection as they look to level the series and take the battle to the fifth Test at The Oval.