Injury Concerns for Indian Pacers During Fourth Test Against England

The Indian cricket team is currently facing significant fitness challenges during the fourth Test against England in Manchester. Key bowlers Jasprit Bumrah and Mohammed Siraj had to leave the field due to injuries, raising concerns about their availability and performance. Despite these setbacks, Bumrah returned to bowl in the final session, while Siraj's condition remains uncertain. The team is also dealing with injuries to other players, including Rishabh Pant and Nitish Kumar Reddy. As England builds a solid lead, the Indian team's resilience will be tested in the remaining sessions of the match.

By Narendra Chaudhary Jul 26, 2025, 02:04 IST

Fitness Challenges for Indian Bowlers

During the ongoing fourth Test match against England in Manchester, the Indian cricket team faced significant fitness issues as pacers Jasprit Bumrah and Mohammed Siraj had to leave the field in the second session on the third day.

After the new ball was introduced in the 91st over, Bumrah managed to bowl just one over, conceding 11 runs before he had to exit the game.

According to reports from Sky Sports, Bumrah returned to the field in the 98th over, bowled by Shardul Thakur, but appeared to be limping slightly after injuring his left ankle while descending stairs earlier. Former Indian coach Ravi Shastri also noted Bumrah's difficulties while walking.

Shastri commented during the live broadcast that Bumrah would likely resume bowling after the second session.

"Bumrah is on the field, but he will only bowl after tea," Shastri stated, as per Cricbuzz.

Indeed, Bumrah returned to bowl in the final session, starting the bowling attack.

After completing his 22nd over, Siraj also had to leave the field following the 99th over in the second session, with live commentary from Cricbuzz indicating he might have sustained a minor injury.

At the end of the second session, Bumrah's figures stood at 0/65 from 19 overs (including five maidens), while Siraj had 0/98 from 22 overs (with three maidens). Both bowlers have been instrumental for India, with Bumrah taking 12 wickets (including two five-wicket hauls) and Siraj claiming 13 wickets (including a six-wicket haul).

Since the beginning of 2020, Bumrah and Siraj have been pivotal in India's pace attack during Test matches, with Bumrah bowling 1093.1 overs across 36 matches and taking 155 wickets, while Siraj has bowled 1015.2 overs in 40 matches, claiming 113 wickets. No other pacer has even reached the 500-over mark in this period.

The Indian team is grappling with numerous fitness issues in this Test series. Rishabh Pant suffered a foot injury while attempting a reverse sweep against Chris Woakes on the first day but bravely batted on the second day, scoring a half-century. Dhruv Jurel has stepped in as the wicketkeeper.

Prior to the fourth Test, the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) announced that all-rounder Nitish Kumar Reddy would miss the remaining two Tests against England due to a left knee injury. Additionally, Arshdeep Singh, who is yet to make his Test debut, has injured his left thumb during practice, paving the way for Anshul Kamboj to potentially make his international debut.

At the conclusion of the second session, England was positioned at 433/4, with Joe Root (121*) and captain Ben Stokes (36*) not out. Washington Sundar (2/30) attempted to regain control by dismissing Ollie Pope (71) and Harry Brook (3), but Stokes and Root's partnership extended England's lead to a solid 75 runs.