India’s pace spearhead Jasprit Bumrah is likely to return for the crucial fourth Test against England, scheduled at Old Trafford, Manchester from July 23 to 27. The update was shared by India’s assistant coach Ryan ten Doeschate on Thursday (July 17) after the team’s first practice session in Manchester.
“We’ll make that call in Manchester. We know we’ve got him (Bumrah) for one of the last two Tests. I think it’s pretty obvious the series is on the line now in Manchester, so there will be a leaning towards playing him,” Doeschate said.
“But again, we’ve got to look at all the factors… how many days of cricket we’re going to get, what gives us the best chance of winning, and how it all fits into the last two games,” he added.
Earlier reports had suggested that Bumrah might skip the Manchester Test due to workload management, returning only for the final match at The Oval (July 31–August 4). However, with the series level and at stake, India appears inclined to bring back its No. 1 ranked Test bowler.
Bumrah’s Performance in the Series So Far
- 1st Test (Leeds): 5/84 in 24.4 overs in the first innings. Went wicketless in the second as India lost by 5 wickets.
- Missed 2nd Test (Birmingham) for workload reasons.
- 3rd Test (Lord’s): Picked up 5/74 in the first innings and 2/38 in the second, but India lost by 22 runs.
Since his debut in 2018, Bumrah has played 11 Tests in England, picking up 49 wickets in 10 matches against England — the most by any Indian in the country. His best figures remain 5/64 in Nottingham (2021).
