India Leaning Towards Playing Bumrah in Manchester as Series Hangs in Balance

India are likely to field Jasprit Bumrah in the crucial fourth Test against England in Manchester, with the series finely poised at 2-1 in the hosts' favour. However, a final decision on Bumrah’s participation will be made closer to the Test, which begins on July 23 at Old Trafford.

India assistant coach Ryan ten Doeschate confirmed that the team management is "leaning" towards playing Bumrah in Manchester, considering the significance of the match. “We know we’ve got him for one of the last two Tests. It’s pretty obvious the series is on the line now in Manchester, so there will be a leaning towards playing him,” he said after India’s training session in Beckenham on Thursday.

Bumrah, India’s pace spearhead, has been managing his workload under a pre-set plan coordinated with the BCCI medical team, allowing him to play only three of the five Tests in the Anderson-Tendulkar Trophy due to his back surgery earlier this year. So far, he has played two Tests — Headingley and Lord’s — and taken 12 wickets at an average of 21.00, including two five-wicket hauls.

The decision to rest Bumrah in the second Test at Edgbaston, despite an eight-day break between games, drew criticism from former coach Ravi Shastri. Still, India managed to level the series 1-1 in his absence. At Lord’s, Bumrah once again proved his value, picking up seven wickets in a tight contest that England eventually won late on the final day.

With another eight-day gap before the fourth Test, Bumrah’s availability is a critical consideration. However, the Indian team is also weighing the physical toll on Mohammed Siraj, who has bowled 109 overs so far — the fourth-highest in the series — and is currently the leading wicket-taker with 13 wickets at 32.00.

India’s pace department had a light session on Tuesday, with Bumrah, Siraj, and Akash Deep avoiding bowling duties while going through fitness routines. Siraj, however, did bat, showing no lingering effects from the dramatic conclusion at Lord’s, where his dismissal sealed England’s win after the ball rolled back onto his stumps.

Pant Likely to Play as Batter

Wicketkeeper-batter Rishabh Pant, who suffered a finger injury at Lord’s, is expected to be available for the Manchester Test, though he may not take up keeping duties. Pant injured his left index finger while diving during England’s first innings and handed the gloves to Dhruv Jurel for the remainder of the match.

While Pant batted in both innings, he has yet to resume wicketkeeping. On Thursday, there was no visible taping on his finger, indicating progress, though he continues to experience pain on impact. "Look, I don’t think you’re going to keep Rishabh out of the Test no matter what,” said ten Doeschate. “He batted with quite a lot of pain in the third Test and it’s only going to get easier. Keeping is obviously the last part of the process."

The team is considering playing Jurel as the wicketkeeper while using Pant as a specialist batter if needed. “Jurel’s in the equation. But obviously, if Rishabh’s fit, he plays and does both,” added ten Doeschate.

Arshdeep Injury Adds to Selection Dilemma

Adding to India’s selection concerns, left-arm seamer Arshdeep Singh suffered a cut on one of his bowling fingers while fielding during training. He left the session to receive treatment, and it remains unclear whether stitches will be required. His availability for the fourth Test is now uncertain, with the team set to assess his condition over the coming days.

“We’ll take a call on the combination we play, particularly given the Arshdeep situation as well,” ten Doeschate said.

India are scheduled to travel to Manchester on July 19 and resume training on Sunday. A final call on the playing XI, including Bumrah’s participation and Pant’s role, is expected closer to the match.