In what has come as a massive development, India’s pace spearhead Jasprit Bumrah is set to feature in the fourth Test against England at Old Trafford, starting July 23. The decision, while somewhat unsurprising, comes at a crucial point in the five-match series, with India trailing 2-1 and facing a potential series loss if they falter in Manchester.
Although India haven’t had the rub of the green when Bumrah has played, he’s undoubtedly one of the best cricketers of this generation and thus massively boosts the team. Overall, the Indian bowlers collectively have averaged 38 in the first three Tests so far. However, Bumrah is leaps and bounds ahead of everyone, having averaged a mere 21 so far in the series.
Bumrah’s magic needed for Manchester
According to RevSportz, Bumrah will be available for the Test match in Manchester, where the 31-year-old hasn’t played yet. The Lord’s Test saw Bumrah in full flight, picking up a superb 5/74 in the first innings before returning 2/38 in the second. While India ultimately lost the match due to a couple of unlucky moments, the 31-year-old’s presence changed how the English batters approached the game.
Bumrah had also taken a five-for in the first innings at Headingley. So far in the Anderson-Tendulkar series, Bumrah has enjoyed the best bowling average (21.0), as he has taken 12 wickets in two Tests. Only Mohammed Siraj has more wickets (13), but he has played an extra Test as well.
Considering there’s an eight-day gap between the third (Lord’s) and the fourth Test, it was sensible for Bumrah to play. India desperately need a win to stay alive in the series and have much-needed World Test Championship (WTC) 2025-27 points as well.
Just recently, former India captain Dilip Vengsarkar slammed Bumrah for picking and choosing which Tests to play. Prior to the series, Bumrah stated that he’d play only three of the five Tests. Assuming he plays in Manchester and India win, it would be fascinating if Bumrah stays on his words or plays an extra match in an effort to claim a historic series win for India.
Jasprit Bumrah’s bowling stats in England (Tests)
- Matches: 11
- Innings: 21
- Maidens: 102
- Wickets: 49
- Best Bowling Innings: 5/64
- Best Bowling Match: 9/110
- Average: 24.97
- Strike Rate: 54.3
- 5-wicket hauls: 4
