India face a must-win situation as they take on England in the 4th Test at Old Trafford, Manchester starting July 23. And here’s a big update: Jasprit Bumrah will play, despite earlier reports suggesting he might be rested.
But India have suffered a blow Nitish Kumar Reddy has been ruled out of the series due to a knee injury.
India are 2-1 down in the 5-match series and need to win to stay in the hunt. Earlier reports suggested Bumrah would be rested for the 4th Test as part of workload management just like he was for the 2nd Test.
But after his match-winning 7-wicket haul at Lord’s in the 3rd Test, the team seems to have taken a different route.
Fast bowler Mohammed Siraj told reporters: “He (Bumrah) will play. That’s what I know so far.”
With the series slipping away, India clearly want their best bowler leading the attack in Manchester.
On the other hand, Nitish Kumar Reddy has been ruled out due to a knee injury. He travelled with the team to Manchester but didn’t participate in the optional training session or the team’s visit to meet Manchester United players.
It is learnt that Reddy has suffered ligament damage, though the BCCI has not issued an official statement yet. This is a big blow for India, especially with a packed injury list already.
With Mohammed Shami out, Arshdeep Singh carrying stitches and Akash Deep unlikely, India’s bowling options are running thin.
Anshul Kamboj has joined the squad but it looks like Shardul Thakur, Prasidh Krishna and Kuldeep Yadav are now in the frame for the final XI.
Reddy’s injury makes it harder to strike the right balance, especially when the team needs both batting depth and bowling options.
India’s first practice session in Manchester was indoors due to rain. It was optional and closed to media and several key players including Bumrah, Gill, KL Rahul, Pant, Washington Sundar and Reddy skipped it.
With overcast conditions and the pitch likely to offer some help to pacers, India will hope the weather clears up before match day.
India lost the 3rd Test at Lord’s by 22 runs despite dominating large parts of the game and despite Bumrah’s brilliance.Series is now 2-1.
Manchester Test is do-or-die. Bumrah’s availability is a big plus but Reddy’s injury adds more pressure to an already injury-hit team.
India go into Old Trafford with more than talent they need clarity, smart selection and teamwork. Bumrah’s return was unexpected but welcome.
On the other hand Nitish Reddy’s injury has added to the headache. 4th Test will decide India’s fate in the series. July 23 onwards.
