Will India Play Bumrah in the 4th Test? Here’s What Ten Doeschate Said
India’s assistant coach, Ryan Ten Doeschate, dropped a significant hint ahead of the 4th Test against England in Manchester (July 23–27, 2025). Speaking at a pre-match press briefing, Ten Doeschate said:
“We know we’ve got him for one of the last two Tests… the series is on the line in Manchester, so there will be a leaning towards playing him.”
That pointed statement didn’t just signal intention—it underlined strategic urgency.
Why Bumrah Matters Now
- Series Tied 1‑1 After Lord’s Loss
India trail the series 1–2. With only two Tests remaining, officials face a dilemma: rest Bumrah to protect his health or play him to salvage the series. - Managed Workload After Surgery
Bumrah underwent back surgery in March. The Indian team, in coordination with BCCI medical staff, planned to limit him to just three of the five Tests—starting in Headingley—with breaks at Edgbaston. - Outstanding Series So Far
Spectacular performances: five wickets at Headingley, seven at Lord’s—total of 12 wickets in only two matches, making him the second‑highest wicket‑taker of the series.
The Holistic View: Fitness, Conditions & Strategy
Ten Doeschate emphasized that the decision is context‑driven. He flagged several key considerations:
- Time on pitch: “How many days of cricket are we going to get up there?”
- Balance of the series: Thinking beyond Manchester, including energy for The Oval.
- Bowling-trio management: The fitness of Siraj and Arshdeep Singh is central—Siraj has been India’s workhorse, and Arshdeep carried a finger injury from violence in practice.
Siraj, while tireless, doesn’t always deliver large wicket hauls—but brings immense “heart… like a lion.”
Backup Plans: Pant, Jurel & More
Likewise, the wicketkeeper position is under scrutiny. Rishabh Pant continues to recover from a finger issue sustained at Lord’s. His availability for Manchester remains uncertain, with backup KS Bharat or Dhruv Jurel in the frame.
Strategic Implications & Outlook
Why India Is Likely to Field Bumrah
- The series is finely poised at 2–1 in England’s favour—India needs its premier fast bowler to shift the momentum.
- Manchester, with its seam-friendly Old Trafford wicket, offers ideal conditions for Bumrah’s style.
- His back-to-back five-fors prove he can deliver under pressure.
Risks & Counterarguments
- The team’s front-foot plan only allows Bumrah three Tests: using his final “Test credits” at Manchester jeopardizes his availability for The Oval.
- Narratives on fast-bowler fatigue and injuries remain relevant. Ten Doeschate emphasised balancing Siraj and protecting Arshdeep too.
What to Watch in the Next Few Days
- Medical bulletins from Beckenham will reveal Arshdeep’s cut status and Pant’s finger fitness.
- A final decision on the playing XI, anticipated just before the Old Trafford match, will confirm Ten Doeschate’s ‘leaning.’
Ten Doeschate’s statements reflect a critical moment for Indian cricket. The leaning toward playing Bumrah suggests bold intent—but it’s contingent on multiple factors. India’s team management is weighing immediate gains in Manchester against long-term contingencies at The Oval.
For fans and analysts, it’ll be fascinating to track this balance between aggressive strategy and injury management.
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