As India prepares for the fourth Test against England at Old Trafford, Manchester, the spotlight is firmly on the fitness of two key players, Jasprit Bumrah and Rishabh Pant. With the series hanging in the balance at 2-1 in England’s favor following India’s narrow 22-run defeat at Lord’s, the team management faces a pivotal decision that could shape the outcome of the series.
Also Read: IND vs ENG 4th Test: Rishabh Pant Injury Scare – Will He Be Fit to Play? Gill Shares Crucial Update
Bumrah is Likely to Retain His Place
India’s pace spearhead Jasprit Bumrah, who was rested for the third Test, is expected to return for the Manchester clash. Assistant coach Ryan ten Doeschate hinted strongly at Bumrah’s inclusion, stating,
“We know we have got him for one of the last two Tests. It’s pretty obvious that the series on the line now in Manchester so there will be a leaning towards playing him.”
However, the decision isn’t entirely straightforward. Ten Doeschate emphasized that the team will assess broader strategic factors before finalizing the playing XI.
“But again, we have got to 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 explained.
Pant’s Finger Injury Raises Concerns, But He’s Determined to Play
Wicketkeeper-batter Rishabh Pant remains a concern after injuring his index finger during the Lord’s Test. Though he batted through pain, he was unable to keep wickets, with Dhruv Jurel stepping in. Pant skipped batting and keeping drills during Thursday’s optional training, opting instead for light workouts. While there was no visible taping on his finger, discomfort from the impact persists.
Ten Doeschate remains optimistic about Pant’s availability, saying,
“He (Pant) will bat in Manchester before the Test.” He added, “Look, I don’t think you’re going to keep Rishabh out of the Test no matter what. 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.”
The team is keen to avoid a repeat of the mid-match wicketkeeping switch.
“Keeping’s obviously the last part of the process to make sure that he can keep. We don’t want to go through that again where we have to replace the keeper halfway through innings,” Ten Doeschate noted. While Jurel remains a backup option, the preference is clear: “Jurel’s in the equation, but I mean obviously if Rishabh’s fit, he plays the next Test and does both.”
Also Read: IND vs ENG: Two changes Team India should make for 4th Test after Lord’s defeat
Arshdeep Singh Adds to Injury Woes
Adding to India’s injury list, left-arm pacer Arshdeep Singh sustained a cut on his bowling hand during practice while attempting to stop a shot from Sai Sudharsan. Ten Doeschate confirmed,
“Yeah, he took a ball while he was bowling there, Sai had a ball and he tried to stop it and it’s just a cut, so we have to see how bad the cut is.”
The medical team is evaluating the severity of the injury.
“Obviously the medical team has taken him off to see a doctor and obviously if he needs stitches or doesn’t need stitches that’s going to be important to our planning for the next few days,” he added.
ENG vs IND 4th Test Key Updates
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Series Status | England leads 2-1 after winning at Lord’s by 22 runs |
| 4th Test Venue | Old Trafford, Manchester |
| Jasprit Bumrah Status | Likely to play; decision pending on strategy and weather |
| Rishabh Pant Injury | Index finger injury; expected to bat, keeping duties uncertain |
| Dhruv Jurel Role | Backup wicketkeeper; kept in 3rd Test due to Pant’s injury |
| Arshdeep Singh Injury | Cut on bowling hand during practice; medical evaluation underway |
| Coach’s Outlook | Ryan ten Doeschate hopeful about Bumrah and Pant’s availability |
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