Jasprit BumrahEngland Cricket Team NewsEngland PlayersIndia vs EnglandIndian Cricket NewsIndian Cricket PlayersIndian Cricket UpdatesIndian CricketersIndian Men's Cricket NewsInternational MatchesLatest Cricket UpdatesMatch PreviewsPlayer InjuriesPlayer NewsPlayer UpdatesTestTest CricketTest Cricket UpdatesTest Match Updates
Jasprit Bumrah Set to Feature in Manchester as India Eyes Series Revival

Bumrah Gears Up for Manchester Test in Critical Series Juncture
India’s ace pacer Jasprit Bumrah is all set to return for the fourth Test of the Anderson-Tendulkar Trophy at Old Trafford, as confirmed by his pace partner Mohammed Siraj just two days before the match. With India trailing 1-2 in the five-match Test series, the selection of Bumrah no longer seems like a mere tactical option—it now feels inevitable.
Before the series began, India’s management had agreed that Bumrah would only play in three of the five Tests to manage his workload. However, as the series heads into its decisive stage, the nine-day break since the third Test at Lord’s has strengthened his case for inclusion in Manchester.
Bumrah’s Return: From Speculation to Action
Practice Session Insight and Selectors’ Discussions
On the morning of July 21, Jasprit Bumrah was seen deep in conversation with chief selector Ajit Agarkar and head coach Gautam Gambhir. The discussion, though informal, hinted strongly at the decision. Shortly after, Bumrah engaged in a net session where he bowled a relatively short spell before switching to batting drills.
With rain predicted on three out of the five days in Manchester, his overall bowling load could be reduced—potentially opening the door for him to play the fifth and final Test at The Oval, starting just three days after this match concludes.
👉 Related Read: Mohammed Siraj’s Rise in Test Cricket
Injury Concerns Force India to Rethink Pace Combination
Akash Deep’s Fitness Uncertainty
India’s bowling setup from the previous Test may see one alteration due to Akash Deep’s groin strain. The Bengal seamer, who impressed everyone with a 10-wicket haul in Birmingham, bowled with a reduced run-up during training but skipped the net session altogether. He will be assessed further in the next 24 hours, but contingency plans are already active.
Anshul Kamboj Joins the Squad
To provide reinforcement to the depleted pace battery, 24-year-old Anshul Kamboj has been drafted in. The young Haryana pacer has shown remarkable consistency in first-class cricket, grabbing 79 wickets at an average of 22.88 from 24 matches. He was one of the standout performers in the recent India ‘A’ tour against the England Lions.
Kamboj arrived in Manchester on Sunday and wasted no time as he began bowling with the new ball under the watchful supervision of Gautam Gambhir and bowling coach Morne Morkel.
Prasidh Krishna or Anshul Kamboj: Who Gets the Nod?
Standing between Anshul Kamboj and his Test debut is Prasidh Krishna, who featured in the first two Tests of the series. Although his economy rate of 5.33 runs per over may seem discouraging, it came largely during an aggressive phase in Birmingham when captain Shubman Gill called for a short-ball burst.
In the nets at Old Trafford, Prasidh appeared to have rediscovered his rhythm. He bowled with pace and accuracy, troubling senior batters like Rishabh Pant, Shubman Gill, and Sai Sudharsan.
Pant Close to Full Fitness, Jurel on Standby
Pant’s Recovery Progresses Well
Rishabh Pant, who struggled with a niggle during the Lord’s Test and couldn’t keep wickets, looked much improved during training. He kept wickets during a slip-catching drill and batted without noticeable discomfort. Only sharp bounce deliveries posed minor issues, suggesting he’s nearly ready for a full return.
If fully fit, Pant will resume keeping duties, allowing Sai Sudharsan to keep his place in the batting order. However, if there’s any uncertainty, Dhruv Jurel may be brought in as a specialist keeper, especially with Nitish Reddy ruled out of the match.
India’s Series Hopes Rest on Experience and Fitness
As the fourth Test approaches, the return of Bumrah, the potential debut of Anshul Kamboj, and the near recovery of Rishabh Pant are shaping India’s preparation. With the series on the line and multiple injury headaches to solve, the team will need both strategic clarity and individual brilliance to level the series and set up a thrilling finale at The Oval.