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July 18, 2025

India Coach Drops Hint on Bumrah for Fourth Test in Manchester

India Coach Drops Hint on Bumrah for Fourth Test in Manchester
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India’s assistant coach Ryan ten Doeschate has strongly hinted at Jasprit Bumrah making a return for the crucial fourth Test against England, due to begin on 23 July at Old Trafford.

Ten Doeschate described the match as “on the line” and suggested that India’s management is leaning toward including Bumrah, despite carefully managing his workload after back surgery earlier this year. “We know we’ve got him for one of the last two Tests,” he stated, underlining the importance of Bumrah in the bowling attack.

Bumrah has already missed two Tests in the series, including the second at Birmingham, as part of a three-out-of-five plan to protect his fitness. Having bagged five-wicket innings in the two games he played, but with India falling short in these outings, including the recent 22-run reverse at Lord’s, his return could be pivotal.

Ten Doeschate also emphasised that the decision will factor in pitch conditions, expected overs, and overall match strategy. “We’ve got to look at all the factors… what we feel is our best chance of winning that game,” he said.

With the series level at 2–1 to England, Manchester's Test is seen as a decider. A win for India would level things at 2–2, whereas another loss would hand England an unassailable series lead. Given Bumrah’s proven strike-rate and ability to change the game, his likely inclusion could shift the momentum in India’s favour.

Ten Doeschate also updated that wicketkeeper‑batter Rishabh Pant, despite a finger injury, is expected to play a full role—batting and keeping—in Manchester, adding stability to India’s line-up.


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