With India trailing 1-2 in the five-match Test series against England, all eyes are on team selection ahead of the crucial fourth Test at Old Trafford, starting July 23. A major talking point is whether Jasprit Bumrah should be rested again or return to lead the pace attack.
The star fast bowler has played two of the three Tests so far. He picked up five-wicket hauls in both but ended up on the losing side each time.
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The Indian team initially planned to manage Bumrah's workload carefully throughout the series, especially after his long recovery from a back injury earlier this year.
While resting him for the second Test worked in their favour, with India clinching a win at Edgbaston, the loss at Lord's reignited debate over his role in the remaining matches.
With a nine-day gap between the third and fourth Test, the team now faces a decision: stick with their original rotation plan or back their premier fast bowler to help level the series.
Aakash Chopra backs Jasprit Bumrah for Old Trafford Test
Former India opener Aakash Chopra believes Bumrah should not be rested for the fourth Test in Manchester. He argued that the nine-day break offers enough recovery time for the fast bowler, especially given the importance of the match.
"There have been talks about whether Bumrah should play the next Test. I think he must play the next match. You have played Lord's Test, you are behind 1-2, you would like to level the series. To be fair, we still have time, it's not like there are back-to-back Test matches, the next match will start at July 23, so we have time. So he should play the next match," Chopra said on his YouTube channel.
Bumrah has been among India's best performers in the series. However, his presence has not translated into wins.
India lost both the matches he played - at Headingley and Lord's, and won the second Test in his absence. Still, with the team looking to level the series and avoid handing England the series win, his experience and control could prove vital in Manchester.
When is the 4th Test between India and England?
The 4th Test between India and England will start on Wednesday, July 23 and is scheduled to end on Sunday, July 27.
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Where is the 4th Test between India and England?
The fourth Test between India and England will be played at Manchester's Old Trafford Cricket Ground.