Bumrah Poised to Lead India's Bowling Attack in Pivotal Manchester Test; Deep Injury Clouds Loom

INDIA TOUR OF ENGLAND, 2025

By Kaushik Rangarajan

July 24, 2025

Two days ahead of the crucial fourth Test of the Anderson-Tendulkar Trophy, Mohammed Siraj confirmed that Jasprit Bumrah is slated to play at Old Trafford.

Siraj announces Bumrah's participation in the upcoming Test. © Getty

Bumrah's participation has been a recurring question throughout the series, given the pre-arranged plan for him to feature in only three of the five Tests to manage his workload. However, with India currently trailing 1-2, his presence in Manchester has become almost imperative. The nine-day break since the Lord's Test has further solidified his inclusion.

On Monday morning, Bumrah engaged in an extended discussion with chairman of selectors Ajit Agarkar and head coach Gautam Gambhir. Shortly after, he bowled a shorter-than-usual spell in the nets before practicing his batting.

The weather forecast predicts rain on three of the five days at Old Trafford, potentially reducing Bumrah's bowling workload. This could allow him to participate in the final Test at The Oval, commencing just three days after the Manchester Test concludes. However, that decision will be made later.

Akash Deep, who took ten wickets in Birmingham, is a doubt for the match due to a groin injury, potentially causing a change in India's bowling attack from Lord's. Although he bowled with a shortened run-up during the main practice, he did not participate in the nets afterward. A final decision will be made in 24 hours, but contingency plans are underway.

Anshul Kamboj, a 24-year-old Haryana seamer, has been added to the squad to bolster the pace attack. Kamboj has an impressive record of 79 first-class wickets at an average of 22.88 in 24 matches and performed well for India 'A' against the England Lions, claiming five wickets in two games. Despite arriving in Manchester on Sunday, he immediately joined the nets session, bowling with the new ball under the supervision of Gautam Gambhir and bowling coach Morne Morkel.

However, Prasidh Krishna, who featured in the first two Tests, could also be in contention for a spot. Although his economy rate of 5.33 is high, context is important, with one expensive spell in Birmingham resulting from a strategy to bowl short-pitched deliveries. Prasidh impressed in the Old Trafford nets, troubling Gill, Pant, and Sai Sudharsan with his rhythm and bounce.

In a positive development, Rishabh Pant appeared to have recovered from the injury that limited his wicket-keeping duties at Lord's. He kept wickets during a slip-catching drill and batted comfortably, with only sharply rising deliveries causing him minor issues.

If doubts persist about Pant's ability to keep for five days, Dhruv Jurel may replace the injured Nitish Reddy. However, if Pant is cleared to keep, Sai Sudharsan could get another chance, eager to build on his debut at Headingley.