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Big boost for India ahead of Manchester Test; Pant, Bumrah set to play with series on line
Rishabh Pant injured his finger in 3rd Test, while Jasprit Bumrah is slated to play just three games. Image: Reuters
With India trailing 1-2 in the five-match Test series against England, the visitors face a must-win situation in the remaining two games. However, the big question ahead of the fourth Test in Manchester is whether Jasprit Bumrah and Rishabh Pant will feature in the playing XI.
Bumrah, who was rested for the Edgbaston Test to manage his workload, was earlier expected to play only three matches in the series, as confirmed by head coach Gautam Gambhir, captain Shubman Gill and the bowler himself. With two games left and the series on the line, fans are eagerly waiting to know which match Bumrah will be rested for next.
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Will Bumrah play Manchester Test?
Gill refused to give a clear answer about Bumrah's inclusion after a narrow 22-run defeat in the third Test at Lord's, saying, 'You'll get to know soon' when asked about team selection. However, a Sky Sports report suggests that Bumrah is likely to play the crucial fourth Test at Old Trafford.
Bumrah has been receiving a lot of criticism over his decision to play just three Test matches in the ongoing five-match series against England. After missing out on the second Test when India were 1-0 down in the contest, several experts questioned the decision to rest Bumrah despite a seven-day rest period between games.
Pant set to play 4th Test
Meanwhile, there were concerns about Rishabh Pant's availability after the wicketkeeper-batter hurt his finger in the first innings at Lord's. Pant was replaced by Dhruv Jurel to keep for the rest of the match. But Gill confirmed that Pant's scans showed no major injury, making him almost certain to play in Manchester.
The report also suggested the same that Pant will play the much-anticipated fourth Test match in Manchester. Pant will reportedly take the gloves is expected to play a crucial role as India eye a victory to level the contest. The fourth Test is slated to begin on 23 July at Old Trafford.
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