Why Jasprit Bumrah must play the fourth Test against England at Old Trafford

Dubai: Jasprit Bumrah has been India’s standout bowler in the ongoing series against England — his seven-wicket haul at Lord’s nearly turned the tide. Yet, with the series delicately poised and England leading 2—1, a crucial question looms: will the world’s top-ranked Test bowler take the field for the fourth Test at Old Trafford?

Bumrah’s performance at Lord’s was a masterclass in adapting to conditions — and learning from the past. Reflecting on his five-wicket haul in the third Test, the Indian spearhead said his experience from the 2021 tour helped him make better use of the slope and the new ball.

“I thought about the slope on the last tour, it did not help. My lesson from that was not to keep that in mind and I got the benefit of that,” Bumrah said. “In these hot conditions, it is all about maximising the new ball. That has been the major difference.”

A defeat in Manchester would end India’s hopes of winning the series — and derail their campaign in the new World Test Championship cycle. While the visitors have competed well over large parts of the series, they’ve faltered at key moments, surrendering control over two decisive days to lose two Tests.

Gill gives no clarity on selection

This brings the Bumrah dilemma into sharp focus: should India risk playing their ace pacer, given his history of back injuries? Or rest him and risk losing the series?

There’s been a nine-day gap between the third and fourth Tests — similar to the rest window Bumrah had between the first and third matches. That should, in theory, allow him to recover well enough to return.

India’s chief selector Ajit Agarkar had said before the tour that Bumrah would play only three of the five Tests, as part of his post-injury workload management. But now, with two must-win games ahead, that plan is under serious review.

Captain Shubman Gill offered no clarity at Lord’s, saying simply, “You’ll get to know soon,” when asked about Bumrah’s availability.

Meanwhile, the debate outside the dressing room has intensified. “Ben Stokes bowls a nine-over spell and there’s no talk of workload. Bumrah bowls five and we’re already managing him?” said former all-rounder Irfan Pathan. “If you’re playing, there’s no workload.”

Series will be done and dusted

Anil Kumble was even more direct. “If I’m part of the management, I’m pushing Bumrah to play both the remaining games,” he said on JioHotstar. “If he doesn’t and we lose, that’s it — series done and dusted.”

Bumrah has taken 12 wickets in just two Tests and sits second on the series wicket-takers list. His presence could tilt the balance in Manchester. But India must weigh that against the long-term cost.

With Jofra Archer firing for England, Ben Stokes pushing his limits, and Bumrah caught in a strategic limbo, the fourth Test isn’t just about skill — it’s about endurance, risk, and how far the body can be pushed when everything is on the line.