India vs England 4th Test 2025: Team India Faces Injury Woes, Bumrah Confirmed to Play at Old Trafford - best11.in

The fourth Test match between India and England is set to begin tomorrow at Old Trafford, Manchester. Team India has been grappling with injuries since the Lord’s Test. There is particular concern regarding the playing XI, especially in the pace bowling department. Akash Deep and Arshdeep Singh are ruled out due to injuries, and all-rounder Nitish Kumar Reddy has also been ruled out of the series due to injury. These issues are causing some worry.

However, there are some positive developments. Reports until yesterday suggested that Rishabh Pant, if he plays, might feature as a specialist batter, with Dhruv Jurel likely to take up wicketkeeping duties. But yesterday, Pant was seen practicing wicketkeeping, indicating he is ready, which is reassuring. Meanwhile, it was earlier decided that Jasprit Bumrah would play only three Tests in this series due to workload management. He is set to play the third Test in Manchester, but questions have arisen about whether he will also play the fourth Test. According to ESPN Cricinfo’s report, it has now been confirmed that Bumrah will play the fourth Test. Mohammed Siraj has also confirmed, saying, “So far, we know that Jasprit will play.” 

The pace attack will likely be led by Siraj and Bumrah, with Bhuvneshwar also expected to feature. However, Akash Deep’s fitness remains a question mark. He bowled in the nets yesterday under the close observation of bowling coach Morne Morkel, but a final decision on his participation will be made today. If Akash Deep is unfit, the question arises about who will replace him as the third seamer. The available options are Prasidh Krishna and Anshul Kamboj. Prasidh Krishna’s series stats show an average of 51.56 and an economy rate of 5.3, suggesting a lack of control. On the other hand, Anshul Kamboj, a 24-year-old who was recently added to the squad as an emergency call-up, is yet to play a Test match but could get an opportunity.

With Nitish Kumar Reddy ruled out after impressive performances as the fourth seamer in the second and third Tests at Lord’s, there’s a possibility that specialist batter Sai Sudharsan might be included in the playing XI. Sudharsan previously played in Headingley, where he was dismissed for a duck in the first innings but scored 30 runs in the second. He was later dropped to accommodate off-spin all-rounder Washington Sundar for the Lord’s Test. If Sudharsan returns, further changes to the lineup are possible. There’s also a chance that Shardul Thakur could replace Washington Sundar as the fourth seamer, adding balance to both batting and bowling.

Rishabh Pant, as mentioned, has been practicing wicketkeeping drills and batting comfortably in the nets, confirming his readiness, which is a significant relief. Regarding Bumrah, as part of workload management, he was initially slated to play only three Tests in this five-match series. The third Test in Manchester is one of them, and with a weather forecast predicting light showers on the first two days and possible rain on the fifth day, playing time might be reduced. This could ease the strain on Bumrah. If the series remains competitive and India secures a positive result at Old Trafford, there’s a possibility that Bumrah could play the final Test as well, which cannot be ruled out.

India’s updated squad for the fourth Test includes Shubman Gill, Rishabh Pant, Yashasvi Jaiswal, KL Rahul, Sai Sudharsan, Abhimanyu Easwaran, Karun Nair, Ravindra Jadeja, Dhruv Jurel, Washington Sundar, Shardul Thakur, Jasprit Bumrah, Mohammed Siraj, Prasidh Krishna, Akash Deep, Kuldeep Yadav, and Anshul Kamboj. More clarity on the final lineup is expected by tonight as further updates come in.