The speculations are over. With the series at stake, Jasprit Bumrah will report to India in the 4th Test against England for the Anderson-Tendulkar Trophy in Manchester on Wednesday.
The Indian pacer leader, whose workload management had seen his input in the series cut down to three games, will feature in his third Test of the series as India look to win and square the series 2-2, currently England's way at 2-1. This, most likely, implies that Bumrah will miss the fifth and last Test at the Oval from July 31. But that is for another day.
India currently requires a victory at Old Trafford, as another loss will make them bid farewell to their hopes of winning the series.
Mohammed Siraj, the new-ball colleague of Bumrah, has assured that the seasoned pro shall indeed be playing when the first ball is bowled at the stadium of Old Trafford.
India have never won a Test in Manchester, their most noted escape being guided by Sachin Tendulkar's youthful innocence and his first Test century in 1990. That aside, it's a trivia India doesn't mind, as not so long ago, India were winless at Edgbaston as well but it altered after an all-around performance in the second Test of the series. Siraj also sealed the fate of Akash Deep and Arshdeep Singh.
"Jassi bhai toh khelenge," (Jasprit Bumrah will definitely play) Siraj confirmed two days before the start of the match. That is what I know as of now. The combination is changing day by day, so our plan is to see what is best for the team. Akash Deep has picked up a groin strain. He bowled in the morning, but the final call will be taken closer to the start of the match. Anshul has also come in, rightly, after Arshdeep Singh cut his finger," Siraj told reporters on Monday.
Bumrah's return at least removes one headache from head coach Gautam Gambhir, who must be running around trying to find the correct team combination. With Akash Deep still limping and Arshdeep Singh ruled out of the game, who would be India's third pacer? Will they revert to Prasidh Krishna or will Anshul Kamboj get his debut? Will Rishabh Pant continue to keep wicket and bat, or will he continue to bat only as a specialist batter considering the injury he has suffered on his finger during Lord's? Will Karun Nair feature again? If so, then what about Nitish Kumar Reddy, who also has been rested for the Test?
Amidst all these questions, one thing is certain. The new ball will be divided between Bumrah and Siraj. As much as all eyes have been on Bumrah, let's not forget Siraj, who remains India's workhorse. With 13 wickets, Siraj is the series leader in wickets taken, while Bumrah is just one ball away.
"God has given me good health. I want to make opportunities count and play as many games as possible for my country," he said.
