Will Bumrah Play in the Manchester Test Against England?
Click to start listening
Synopsis
In a recent update from Beckenham, assistant coach Ryan ten Doeschate hinted at a strong likelihood of Jasprit Bumrah featuring in the upcoming fourth Test against England. With crucial decisions looming, this article explores the team's strategies and challenges as they aim to equalize the series scoreline.
Key Takeaways
- Jasprit Bumrah may participate in the upcoming Test against England.
- The coaching staff is focusing on workload management for key players.
- Mohammed Siraj is leading wicket-taker in the series.
- Arshdeep Singh's injury could impact team dynamics.
- The series scoreline is crucial for India's strategy moving forward.
Beckenham, July 17 (NationPress) Assistant coach Ryan ten Doeschate has suggested that there is a strong inclination to have fast-bowling leader Jasprit Bumrah participate in the upcoming fourth Test against England, although a definitive decision will be made as the game day approaches in Manchester.
Prior to the Test tour of England, chief selector Ajit Agarkar and head coach Gautam Gambhir had declared that Bumrah would only play three out of the five matches in the series, focusing on workload management.
This strategy led to Bumrah playing in the Tests at Headingley and Lord’s, while he was rested for the game at Edgbaston. With a week’s break between the third and fourth Tests, it is possible Bumrah might feature in the match at Old Trafford, commencing on July 23, as India seeks to level the series after suffering a 22-run defeat at Lord’s.
“We will finalize that decision in Manchester. We know we have him available for one of the last two Tests. It’s clear the series is at stake now in Manchester, so there will be a tendency to have him play. However, we must consider all aspects,” said ten Doeschate during a press conference following India’s practice session at Beckenham.
During the practice, India faced an injury scare when left-arm pacer Arshdeep Singh sustained a cut on his bowling hand while attempting to stop a delivery and was seen with a bandage. “He tried to intercept the ball from Sai and it’s just a cut, so we need to evaluate its severity. The medical team has taken him to consult a doctor, and whether he requires stitches or not will significantly impact our planning for the upcoming days,” ten Doeschate explained.
Mohammed Siraj leads the wicket-taking tally in the series with 13 wickets and has bowled an impressive 109 overs, raising concerns about his workload management. Ten Doeschate acknowledged that Siraj's management is a priority for the team and they are diligently working to ensure the pacer is fit for Manchester.
“Firstly, I want to emphasize that it hasn’t felt like a lengthy tour. It has been thrilling from day one, as each morning brings new excitement. The players, especially the newcomers, are putting in tremendous effort, making this tour very refreshing. Let's focus on Siraj before discussing Bumrah,” he stated.
“We often overlook how fortunate we are to have a player like him. While he may not always achieve the expected results as a fast bowler, his heart is immense, and he brings a unique energy to our bowling lineup. Whenever he has the ball, there’s always a sense that something remarkable is about to happen.”
“He isn’t one to shy away from the workload, which makes it even more crucial for us to manage his workload effectively to ensure he is fit to give his best. We’ll determine our lineup closer to the Manchester match, especially considering the situation with Arshdeep,” he elaborated.
England's captain Ben Stokes has been the second most active bowler in the series, having bowled 105 overs. Ten Doeschate believes that Stokes' workload cannot be compared to that of the Indian bowlers.
“It was incredibly impressive for Ben to come out on the final day and deliver so many overs at that intensity while also batting and fielding. We’re not yet in a position to compare our bowlers with those from other teams. We possess our own strengths and understand what Jasprit can do in shorter spells, which he prefers.”
“When the time is right, as I mentioned earlier with Siraj, some bowlers excel in their later overs, but not all follow the same pattern. We consult with Jasprit to determine how best to utilize him for the team’s benefit,” he added.
The practice session in Beckenham also had bowling coach Morne Morkel participating, providing variety for the batters. “It wasn't merely a direct practice session for Jofra, I assume that’s what you were referring to. With Arshdeep sidelined due to his injury and Akash not bowling today, we sometimes run low on resources,” he mentioned.
“If we believe the practice is beneficial, having someone bowl from 20 yards and being a bit taller to shape the new ball offers valuable experience for the batters. They also enjoy competing against Morne. Ultimately, it’s about ensuring the batters receive the best preparation for the Test match.
Point of View
It is crucial that we support our team and analyze the decisions made by the coaching staff. The management's focus on workload management for key players like Jasprit Bumrah and Mohammed Siraj reflects a strategic approach to ensure optimal performance in critical matches. As fans, we should remain optimistic and trust in the team's expertise as they navigate this pivotal phase of the series.
NationPress
17/07/2025
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the current status of Jasprit Bumrah's fitness?
Jasprit Bumrah is likely to play in the fourth Test, but a final decision will be made closer to the match day based on his fitness and workload management.
Which players are key to India's success in the Manchester Test?
Key players include Jasprit Bumrah and Mohammed Siraj, both of whom have been vital in the series, along with the batting lineup's ability to perform under pressure.
How is the team managing player workloads?
The coaching staff is closely monitoring players' workloads, particularly Bumrah and Siraj, to ensure they are fit and fresh for crucial matches.
What impact does Arshdeep Singh's injury have on the team?
Arshdeep Singh’s injury is a concern for the team, as it affects the bowling options available for the upcoming Test, and the medical team is assessing the severity of his cut.
What are the expectations for the fourth Test against England?
The expectation is for India to bounce back and level the series after a narrow defeat, with a focus on strategic gameplay and key player performances.
