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India seamer Mohammed Siraj confirmed that Jasprit Bumrah will be seen in action during the fourth Test of the ongoing series against England which is set to be held in Manchester from July 23. Speaking to reporters in the pre-match press-conference, Siraj not only revealed about Bumrah's participation, but also gave a massive fitness update on Akash Deep.
There was a lot of suspense over Bumrah's participation in the fourth Test. Earlier, India head coach Gautam Gambhir had made it clear that the 31-year-old will only be featuring in three out of five Tests as his workload needs to be properly managed. Bumrah had already featured in the first and third match which meant that he would be playing only one out of the remaining two Tests. With the series on the line in Manchester, the Indian team management have decided to use the pace spearhead's services for the second game running.
Akash Deep sustained an injury during third Test
On the other hand, after picking up a total of 11 scalps in two Tests, Akash Deep sustained a groin injury during the third Test at Lord's. This is why the pacer didn't bowl in a net session which was held before the team left for Manchester. Siraj revealed that Akash Deep's participation in the fourth Test is not confirmed yet and that the physios will also have a say in it.
"Jassi bhai toh khelenge (Jasprit Bumrah will play). Akash Deep has a groin issue, he bowled today and now the physios will see. Combination is changing but we need to bowl in good areas. Plan is simple- stick to good areas," Siraj said in the pre-match press-conference.
Both Siraj and Bumrah have given great performances with the ball in the England Test series so far. While the former has taken 13 scalps in three games, the latter has picked up 12 wickets in two. Both of them have caused major problems for England's batting order during the first three matches. It remains to be seen what changes will the Indian team management decide to make to the playing XI for the match at Old Trafford.
The Men in Blue recorded a 22-run defeat in the third Test at Lord's, handing the hosts a 2-1 lead in the series. It is now highly important for Shubman Gill & Co. to come out victorious in the Manchester as any other result would see them lose all their chances of triumphing the series. Meanwhile, if England end up winning the upcoming match, then they will go on to seal the series even before playing the fifth and final game.
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