New Delhi: India fast bowler Mohammed Siraj has ended the suspense over the availability of star pacer Jasprit Bumrah in the fourth Test against England, starting on July 23, at Old Trafford, Manchester. As part of the workload management, Bumrah came to England to play three of the five Tests.
The world number one bowler played the opening Test at Headingley, where India lost by five wickets before being rested for the Edgbaston Test, which India won by 336 runs to level the series. He then returned to the playing XI in the third Test at Lord’s but unfortunately couldn’t save the team from a heartbreaking loss.
With India 1-2 down in the series, India need their main man in the line-up for the fourth Test at Old Trafford. However, doubts lingered over his participation in the must-win Test, with India facing the dilemma of risking the recurrence of a back injury or including the ace paceman in a desperate bid to stay alive in the series.
Ahead of the Manchester Test, the Indian team took part in the first outdoor training session on Monday at the iconic Old Trafford stadium, where Siraj cleared the suspense over Bumrah’s availability for the fourth Test.
Siraj clears suspense over Bumrah’s availability
“Jassi bhai will play as far as I know, our combination is changing day by day (due to injuries),” Siraj told reporters.
India might have given a thought about resting Bumrah, but injuries to Akash Deep, Arshdeep Singh and Nitish Reddy have forced them to rethink their playing combination.
While Arshdeep was ruled out due to a hand injury, Akash Deep is nursing a groin injury. All-rounder Nitish Reddy, who enjoyed a decent outing with the ball in the third Test, has also been ruled out of the entire series due to a knee injury.
As a result, India have added Haryana seamer Anshul Kamboj to the squad.
“Akash Deep, he has a groin issue, physios are examining. He bowled in the morning as well. Yet to get feedback from physio. Anshul has come in now that Arshdeep is injured. Good luck to him,” Siraj told the media.
According to a report in PTI, Bumrah bowled a short spell due to the slippery nature of the surface.
Siraj also revealed the bowling plan ahead of the must-win Test.
“Our plan is to keep bowling in good areas considering how England play. We want them to play with patience like they played in the last match. We felt good about playing proper Test cricket,”
India face a daunting task of levelling a series at Old Trafford, a venue where they are winless.