The fourth Test between India and England at Old Trafford, Manchester, is set to begin on Wednesday, July 23.
Jasprit Bumrah’s availability has become one of the biggest talking points ahead of the must-win fixture for India with the visitors trailing 1-2 in the series.
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Suresh Raina, who is currently featuring in the World Championship of Legends, shared his thoughts on Bumrah’s situation and said the decision to play him should be left to the pacer and the medical staff.
What did Suresh Raina say about Bumrah’s workload and fitness?
Speaking during a media interaction in Birmingham, Raina made special mention of Bumrah’s performance at Lord’s, where he registered a five-wicket haul and earned a spot on the Lord’s Honours Board.
Raina believes Bumrah has enough experience to make smart decisions about his fitness, and the team should trust him.
“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," Raina said.
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"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," he added.
Raina added that both Jasprit Bumrah and Rishabh Pant are very important for India’s chances in the fourth Test against England. He believes that if India wants to either level the series or try to win it, then both Bumrah and Pant need to be part of the playing XI.
“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," Raina added.
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India’s management has been carefully monitoring Bumrah’s workload during the series. He has already played two Tests and taken 12 wickets at an average of 21.00, including two five-wicket hauls.
As the countdown to the fourth Test begins, all eyes will be on the team sheet at Old Trafford whether Bumrah is on it or not.