With series on the line, Will India play Jasprit Bumrah in 4th Test against England?
Team India's assistant coach Ryan Ten Doeschate hinted that Jasprit Bumrah is likely to feature in the 4th Test against England in Manchester.
The suspense over Jasprit Bumrah's inclusion intensifies as India look to bounce back to winning ways with the series on the line in the upcoming 4th Test against England at Old Trafford in Manchester. England went 2-1 up in the five-match series after pulling off a thrilling 22-run victory against the visitors in the third Test at Lord's.
India failed to chase down a moderate target of 192 runs in their second innings despite a heroic effort from Ravindra Jadeja to lose the Test match. Bumrah made his comeback at Lord's after skipping the second Test at Edgbaston and picked up seven wickets in the match, including a brilliant fifer during England's first innings.
However, with the pacer set to play only three of the five Tests in the ongoing series, it remains to be seen if Bumrah will feature in the 4th Test against England in Manchester or will the Indian team management will save him for the final Test at the Oval in London. Speaking to the media, India's assistant coach Ryan Ten Doeschate opened up on Bumrah's participation in the 4th Test.
Doeschate said India is leaning towards playing Bumrah in the 4th Test in Manchester as the series is on the line. A defeat in Manchester will see England clinch the Test series, having taken a 2-1 lead at Lord's. However, Doeschate insisted a final decision will be taken after taking multiple factors into consideration.
"We'll make that call in Manchester still. 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 in Manchester, so there will be a leaning towards playing him," said Doeschate.
"But again, we've look at all the factors, how many days of cricket are we going to get up there? What do we feel is our best chance of winning that game? And then how that fits in together with the Oval, and looking at the last two games holistically as part of the series," he added.
In the absence of Bumrah, Akash Deep joined Mohammed Siraj and Prasidh Krishna in India's pace attack for the 2nd Test at Edgbaston. However, Prasidh is unlikely to return after failing to impress in the first two matches. India might be keen to include Arshdeep Singh in the mix if Bumrah is rested for the 4th Test in Manchester. However, the left-arm pacer suffered a cut on his hand and is currently being assessed by the medical staff.
Doeschate hopeful of Rishabh Pant being fit for 4th Test
India are also sweating over the fitness of wicket-keeper batter Rishabh Pant ahead of the 4th Test against England in Manchester. Pant injured his finger on his left hand while keeping during England's first innings in the Lord's Test and didn't keep wickets for the rest of the game.
The wicket-keeper batter was also in visible discomfort while batting during the Test match and needed medical attention to his injured finger. Amid concerns over his finger injury, Doeschate said the Indian team management is hopeful that Pant will be fit to play in the 4th Test in Manchester.
"We're just trying to give the finger as long as possible and hopefully he's good to go in Manchester. Jurel is in the equation but obviously if Rishabh's fit, he comes in and does both (batting and keeping)," said the India assistant coach.