Jasprit Bumrah returns as India battle injuries ahead of must-win Manchester Test

Dubai: On a day when India’s injury list grew longer, pace spearhead Jasprit Bumrah’s availability for the fourth Test in Manchester came as a much-needed boost. Teammate Mohammed Siraj confirmed the news, putting an end to speculation about the fast bowler’s fitness ahead of the must-win clash.

“Jassi bhai will play as far as I know,” Siraj said during a media interaction on Monday. With India trailing 1-2 in the five-match series, Bumrah’s return couldn’t be better timed.

Bumrah, who featured in the first and third Tests — both losses — has been rotated due to workload management and was expected to play only three of the five matches. The management had been tight-lipped on his participation, but with injuries mounting, his inclusion is now pivotal.

India’s pace stocks have been hit hard. Akash Deep, who left the field with a groin niggle during the third Test, remains uncertain, while Arshdeep Singh has been ruled out after injuring his left thumb in the nets. The BCCI has added Anshul Kamboj as cover.

The team will also miss Nitish Kumar Reddy, who has been ruled out of the remainder of the series with a knee injury. His absence opens the door for Shardul Thakur to return to the XI after being dropped following the first Test.

“We have to keep things simple. Bowl in the right areas,” Siraj said. “The combination might change, but our plans stay the same.”

Meanwhile, England batter Harry Brook has warned his side against complacency, despite holding a 2-1 lead.

“India is a side that can bounce back at any stage,” Brook said. “We saw that after Headingley — they came back strong at Edgbaston. We’ve got to stick to our plans and keep pushing forward.”

Brook also reflected on the fiery third Test at Lord’s, which saw verbal battles ignite between the two teams.

“Fielding felt like it was 11 versus 2 at one point. It was tiring, but also kind of fun,” Brook said. “The sledging maybe added pressure on them. We were defending a small target, and maybe that needle helped us a bit.”

England, however, have injury concerns of their own. Off-spinner Shoaib Bashir has been ruled out due to a finger injury. In his place, the experienced Liam Dawson has been drafted in. Brook praised Dawson’s all-round ability, calling him a “wily old fox” and a valuable addition with both ball and bat.

The fourth Test, starting Wednesday at Old Trafford, could be affected by weather, with forecasts predicting rain across multiple days. The venue has traditionally been challenging for India — in nine Tests, they are yet to win, with four defeats and five draws.

Still, the mood in both camps reflects the high-stakes nature of the contest. Bumrah’s return adds teeth to India’s depleted bowling attack, while England will aim to wrap up the series early — but not without resistance.

As Brook summed it up: “It’s been an amazing series — every match going down to the last hour. That’s what Test cricket should be.”