Will Jasprit Bumrah Make a Comeback in the Crucial Fourth Test Against England?

Bumrah's Potential Return

In Beckenham, India's assistant coach Ryan ten Doeschate indicated on Thursday that the team is inclined to include star pacer Jasprit Bumrah in the upcoming fourth Test in Manchester, as the series hangs in the balance. The final decision will be made closer to the match, which begins on July 23.

After India's sole training session in Beckenham following a disappointing loss at Lord's, Doeschate mentioned that several factors will play a role in deciding Bumrah's availability.

"We will finalize our decision in Manchester. With the series at stake, it seems likely that we will opt to play him," Doeschate stated.

"However, we must consider various elements, such as the expected conditions and our best strategy for winning the match, while also keeping in mind the subsequent games in the series."

India is scheduled to arrive in Manchester on July 19.

Workload Management Insights

England's captain Ben Stokes disregarded workload management during a pivotal match, leading his team to a remarkable victory at the historic venue.

Stokes bowled extensive spells of 9.2 and 10 overs, applying consistent pressure while his teammates delivered shorter bursts.

When asked about the relevance of workload management in international cricket, Doeschate praised Stokes' performance, saying, "It was impressive for Ben to bowl so many overs with such intensity, while also batting and fielding effectively."

"We don't aim to compare our bowlers with others. Each player has unique strengths, and we understand how Jasprit prefers to bowl in shorter spells."

Managing Siraj's Workload

Doeschate emphasized the importance of managing Mohammed Siraj's workload, noting his readiness to bowl extended overs, similar to Stokes' approach on the final day at Lord's.

"We are fortunate to have someone like him. Although he may not always achieve the expected results, his determination and impact on the bowling attack are invaluable," he remarked.

"It's crucial for us to manage his workload to ensure he remains fit and can perform at his best."

Rishabh Pant's Recovery

Wicket-keeper Rishabh Pant, who is recovering from a finger injury, did not participate in Thursday's training but traveled with the team to Beckenham. He is anticipated to regain full fitness for the match in Manchester.

"He batted through significant pain in the third Test, and we expect his condition to improve. Keeping will be the final step in his recovery process," Doeschate explained.

"We want to avoid a situation where we have to replace the keeper mid-innings, so we are allowing him ample rest before the Manchester training session."

Team Morale After Loss

Despite being down 2-1 in the series, Doeschate reported that the team's morale remains high following two close losses.

"It may seem counterintuitive, but the players have performed admirably in many aspects of the series. The recurring issue of losing wickets in quick succession has been detrimental," he noted.

"In both Headingley and Lord's, losing six wickets for just 40 runs proved costly. However, if we analyze individual performances, the batters are showing good form. We aim to focus on our strengths and address the minor issues that have affected our results."