Former Indian cricketer Suresh Raina has claimed that the team doctor would make the final decision on Jasprit Bumrah’s availability for the fourth Test at Old Trafford, Manchester. With a 1-2 deficit in the current five-match Test series, India is in a difficult position.
The Indian team management had said prior to the series that Bumrah will only play in three of the five Test matches in order to manage his workload. Bumrah has participated in the first and third Test matches thus far. With two games left and India losing the third Test at Lord’s, Bumrah’s availability for the pivotal fourth Test is now in doubt.
“I think it is a doctor’s call to be honest. I know my body. I know my doctor. I know what guidelines he is giving me, how to play the game. So I think with Bumrah, I think he is a legend. I think he knows his workload, how to manage himself, and look at his performance at Lord’s, he registered his place in the Lord’s Honours Board.”
Suresh Raina
However, Raina emphasized how crucial Bumrah’s inclusion in the starting lineup is, saying that if India is to make a significant series comeback, both Bumrah and Rishabh Pant must be playing.
Rishabh Pant is also battling injury issues. He had to leave the field during the Lord’s Test after suffering a finger injury while taking wickets. Dhruv Jurel took over the wicketkeeping responsibilities while he was away. Pant batted in both innings despite his injury.
“Rishabh Pant had an injury on his finger too. So it is very important for both of them (to play their fourth Test. If they have to draw the series or if they have to try to win the game, then I think it will be very important for both of them to feature in the fourth Test.”
Suresh Raina
India would have to go through a challenging time to select the team as several players are struggling with niggles. Anshul Kamboj was recently included in the Indian team as a replacement of Arshdeep Singh who was ruled by the injury. Moreover, Akash Deep has a groin injury and is doubtful in the coming game. July 23 marks the start of the fourth Test, and it is an important chance that India has of turningan evening the series.
