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Key Points

Mohammed Siraj has confirmed Jasprit Bumrah's participation in the crucial fourth Test against England. Injuries to Akash Deep and Arshdeep Singh have forced India to call in backup options. All-rounder Nitish Kumar Reddy has been ruled out of the series with a knee injury. India trails 1-2 and must win in Manchester to keep the series alive.

Key Points: Siraj Confirms Bumrah Will Play Crucial Fourth Test vs England

  • Bumrah returns as India trails 1-2 in the Test series
  • Injuries rule out Akash Deep and Arshdeep Singh
  • Nitish Kumar Reddy out with knee injury
  • Shardul Thakur likely to replace Reddy in playing XI
2 min read

'Jassi bhai will play': Siraj confirms Bumrah's participation in fourth Test

Mohammed Siraj ends speculation, confirming Jasprit Bumrah's return for India's must-win Manchester Test amid injury setbacks.

"Jassi bhai will play as far as I know – Mohammed Siraj"

Manchester, July 21

India pacer Mohammed Siraj has confirmed that pace spearhead Jasprit Bumrah will play the fourth Test in Manchester starting on Wednesday, putting rest to all the speculation regarding the latter's participation in the do-or-die encounter.

The news comes as a great relief for the Indian supporters who were left sad with the dual injuries to pacers Akash Deep and Arshdeep Singh, forcing the Indian camp to call in Anshul Kamboj as cover.

With India trailing 1-2 in the five-match series, attention was naturally turned to Bumrah, who is being carefully managed and set to feature in only three of the Tests. Having already played in the first and third Tests - both ending in defeats for India - Bumrah is now expected to return for the crucial fourth Test.

"Jassi bhai will play as far as I know," Siraj said in the press conference on Monday.

"Akash Deep has a groin issue, he bowled today and now physios will see. Combination is changing but we need to bowl in good areas. Plan is simple - stick to good areas," he added on his fellow pacer.

All-rounder Nitish Kumar Reddy has been ruled out of the remainder of the series due to a left knee injury, the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) confirmed on Monday.

Nitish, who missed the first Test but played in the second and third, will fly back home. The all-rounder had a quiet outing in Birmingham before making key contributions at Lord's, both with bat and ball. His absence could open the door for Shardul Thakur, who played the first Test, to return.

Adding to India's woes, left-arm pacer Arshdeep Singh has been ruled out of the fourth Test after sustaining an impact injury to his left thumb while bowling in the nets at a training session in Beckenham. The BCCI medical team is monitoring his progress.

- IANS

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Reader Comments

S
Sarah B
As a cricket fan living in Manchester, I'm excited to see Bumrah play live! But I hope the management isn't rushing him back too soon. His long-term fitness is more important than one Test match.
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Ananya R
Injuries are really hurting us this series 😔 First Akash Deep, now Arshdeep and Nitish. BCCI needs to look at why so many players are getting injured. Our bench strength is being tested to the limit!
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Vikram M
Jassi bhai is our only hope now! But why is the team management being so secretive about player fitness? Fans deserve better communication. This uncertainty affects ticket sales and viewership too.
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Kavya N
Shardul Thakur should get another chance. He's a proper all-rounder who can contribute with both bat and ball. Our tail is too long otherwise. #PlayShardul
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Michael C
The injuries to our pacers are concerning. Maybe we need to rethink our training methods? Other teams don't seem to have this many injuries during tours. Wishing all players speedy recovery!

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