As the crucial fourth Test between India and England approaches, reports suggest a significant boost for the Indian side with Jasprit Bumrah and Rishabh Pant likely to feature in the game. The match, scheduled to begin on July 23 in Manchester, holds immense importance as India trails 1-2 in the five-match series.
Jasprit Bumrah's availability has been a subject of speculation due to workload management. Before the series commenced, it was indicated that Bumrah would participate in only three of the five Tests. He was rested for the Edgbaston Test. According to a Sky Sports report, Bumrah is expected to play in the fourth Test.
Bumrah's potential inclusion is a major positive for India, considering his form in the series thus far. He has been a key bowler for India, and his presence would undoubtedly bolster the team's chances of leveling the series. In the Lord's Test, Bumrah picked up 7 wickets, including a five-wicket haul in the first innings.
Rishabh Pant's participation was also uncertain after he sustained a finger injury during the Lord's Test. He injured his left index finger on Day 1 while attempting to stop a ball. Despite the injury, scans revealed no major damage, and he is expected to be fit for the Manchester Test. Gill stated that Pant went for scans and there was no major injury. Pant's aggressive batting style and valuable contributions make him a vital cog in the Indian middle order.
The possible inclusion of both Bumrah and Pant would provide a significant lift to the Indian team, who are aiming to bounce back after a narrow 22-run defeat in the third Test at Lord's. With the series on the line, their experience and skill could prove to be decisive in the upcoming Test.
While there is optimism surrounding Bumrah and Pant, the final decision on the playing XI will depend on their fitness and the prevailing conditions at Old Trafford. The team management will also consider other factors, such as the form of other players and the overall team balance, before finalizing the lineup.
England have already made a change to their squad, replacing Shoaib Bashir, who broke his finger during the third Test, with Liam Dawson.