Will Bumrah Return for the Fourth Test

Shubman Gill Silent on Bumrah's Fitness Ahead of Crucial IND vs ENG Test

After a heartbreaking 22-run loss to England in the third Test at Lord's, skipper Shubman Gill refused to open up about whether star pacer Jasprit Bumrah would play in the make-or-break fourth Test in Manchester.

Asked on the matter during the post-match presentation, Gill merely gave a mysterious "You'll get to know soon," sending fans and experts alike into a guessing mode regarding Bumrah's possible inclusion.

Bumrah Shines, But India Fall Short

The Lord's Test was a real nail-biter that ended in a thrilling last day as India, in pursuit of 193 for a win, were finally bowled out for 170. 

In spite of a splendid unbeaten 61 by Ravindra Jadeja and a dogged stand by the tailenders, including a fierce 54-ball resistance by Bumrah himself, India were unable to reach the finish line. The defeat has placed enormous pressure on the visitors ahead of the penultimate game at Old Trafford.

Bumrah, who had been rested for the second Test at Edgbaston for workload management, made a memorable comeback to Lord's, claiming a five-wicket haul in the first innings and being a nuisance for England with both bat and ball. His availability is undoubtedly crucial for India with the series hanging in the balance.

Bumrah Dilemma Grows After Narrow Lord's Defeat

The workload management of Bumrah has been a point of discussion during the series. Originally, it was planned that he would play only three of the five Tests to avoid injuries, considering his history of back problems.

Having played the first and third Tests, the question is now whether the team administration will adhere to their initial plans or be compelled to change under the immense pressure.

Reflecting on the Lord's defeat, Shubman Gill expressed pride in his team's fighting spirit but acknowledged areas where India fell short. "Five days of hard-fought cricket, and it comes down to the last session, last wicket.

Tremendously proud of the effort," Gill stated. He pinpointed the lack of significant partnerships in the top order as a crucial factor in the chase. "We would have liked to have perhaps two 50-run stands in our top-order, we could not do that, and they played better than us."

Can Bumrah’s Return Ignite India’s Series Revival?

The captain also bemoaned the lost opportunities in the earlier part of the game, including the collapse from 376/6 to 387 all out in the first innings and a dropped catch by KL Rahul that permitted Jamie Smith to post a crucial 51.

These incidents, Gill conceded, became expensive in a low-scoring match where both teams compiled the same first-innings totals of 387.

While India gets ready for the fourth Test, everyone will be looking not only towards their batting comeback but also Jasprit Bumrah's fitness and availability. His "soon" may be the key to India's aspiration to tie the series and keep their chances alive for the Anderson-Tendulkar Trophy. The cricketing world is keenly waiting for the next news coming out of the Indian camp.