Jasprit Bumrah Will Play 4th Test! India’s Assistant Coach Confirms Saying ‘Series Is On…’ News24 –

India’s assistant coach Ryan ten Doeschate, on Thursday, ended the speculation regarding Jasprit Bumrah’s fitness for very important fourth Test of the ongoing Anderson-Tendulkar Trophy series against England. Trailing by 1-2 in the five-match series, India had lost the first Test in Leeds and the third Test at Lord’s. Their sole win came in the second game in Birmingham last month.

Bumrah To Only Play 3 Tests In Five Match Test Series

Before the series, the BCCI had stated that Bumrah would be given only three Tests to ensure his workload management. Head coach Gautam Gambhir supported the decision, deciding to rest the marquee pacer for the Birmingham Test.

In Bumrah’s absence, Mohammed Siraj and Akash Deep rose to the responsiblity, both secured five-wicket hauls as India won by a huge 336-run margin to level the series. But after a narrow 22-run defeat in the third Test at Lord’s, there were fresh calls for Bumrah’s to play the all-important match at Old Trafford next week. The team management obliged this time.

India’s Assistant Coach Bumrah’s Place In Playing XI

Addressing the media after India’s first practice session before the fourth Test, ten Doeschate acknowledged that Bumrah will indeed feature in the playing XI. It is also important to note that if Bumrah plays as mentioned then this will be his first appearance at Old Trafford.

“We’ll make that call in Manchester. We know we’ve got him for one of the last two Tests. I think it’s pretty obvious the series is on the line now in Manchester, so there will be a leaning towards playing him,” he said.

Old Trafford has traditionally been an unhappy hunting ground for India in Tests. India have drawn five and lost four out of nine matches played at the Manchester ground. They were last due to play there in 2021, but the match was abandoned following a Covid-19 outbreak in the Indian camp.