As India face their second defeat of the ongoing England Test series, the team management is once again confronted with a difficult decision — whether to play Jasprit Bumrah in the fourth Test at Old Trafford or rest him as part of the workload management strategy outlined before the tour began. The question looms large, especially with the series hanging in favour of England.
India opened the five-match series with a loss at Leeds and despite trailing, the management opted to bench Bumrah for the second Test. That move drew criticism from many quarters, particularly as it appeared India was holding back its premier fast bowler in a must-win game. However, the decision found some justification when Akash Deep and Mohammed Siraj stepped up in Birmingham, sharing 16 wickets between them and helping India level the series 1-1.
Jasprit Bumrah returned to action for the third Test at Lord’s and immediately made his presence felt with another five-wicket haul, his second of the series and a standout performance reminiscent of his effort in the opening Test. Yet, his brilliance with the ball was once again overshadowed by India’s defeat, their second in the series, bringing the visitors to a precarious position with just two matches left.
According to the pre-series announcement by the Indian team management, Bumrah was set to feature in only three of the five Tests. With two appearances already under his belt, the management must now choose between deploying him at Old Trafford for the fourth Test or saving him for the potential decider at The Oval.
Former England cricketer David Lloyd weighed in on the situation during a broadcast discussion, acknowledging the original plan but suggesting that circumstances could force a change. He pointed out that Gautam Gambhir and the Indian team had made it clear that Bumrah would play three Tests. With two already played, Lloyd reasoned that if India stay true to their word, Bumrah should be seen in action in Manchester. However, he admitted the team might adjust the plan based on the series scoreline and the stakes involved.
David Lloyd speculated further that if Bumrah is chosen for the fourth Test and India manage to draw level at 2-2, it would be hard to imagine him sitting out the final clash at The Oval. Conversely, if England move ahead 3-1, India may opt to rest him for the final game, making the Manchester Test potentially decisive for Jasprit Bumrah’s participation moving forward.
In a lighter yet telling remark, Lloyd noted the irony that India’s only victory on the tour so far came in a match where Bumrah was rested. He found it curious, even bordering on the bizarre, that the team seems to lose more often when its best bowler plays. Despite calling Bumrah “awkward and nasty with his action”, he added that the Indian pacer remains a “thoroughly decent fella”.
As the fourth Test approaches, the Indian team finds itself in a strategic dilemma. Balancing player fitness with the urgency to stay alive in the series is a delicate call, one that could ultimately shape the outcome of a fiercely contested battle between two top cricketing nations.
