Sports Desk:
With the five-Test series against England hanging in the balance, India is contemplating unleashing pace spearhead Jasprit Bumrah in the fourth Test at Old Trafford, Manchester, next week.
Bumrah, who returned earlier this year from back surgery, has been carefully managed by the team management, with a plan to feature in only three of the five Tests. So far, he has played in Leeds and Lord’s, claiming five-wicket hauls in both matches, though India ended up losing both.
Having skipped the second Test in Birmingham to manage his workload, the 30-year-old was expected to be preserved for the final clash at The Oval. However, a win in Manchester would give England an unassailable 3-1 lead, forcing India to reconsider.
“We know we have got him for one of the last two Tests,” assistant coach Ryan ten Doeschate told reporters after training. “It’s pretty obvious that the series is on the line now in Manchester, so there will be a leaning towards playing him. But again, we have to look at all factors—how many days of cricket we’ll get, what gives us the best chance to win, and how that fits in with the Oval.”
Meanwhile, India received a minor injury scare with Rishabh Pant. The wicketkeeper-batter, who hurt his finger at Lord’s, did not bat during Thursday’s practice. However, ten Doeschate dismissed concerns over his availability.
“Look, I don’t think you’re going to keep Rishabh out of the Test no matter what,” said the former Netherlands 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.”