Anil Kumble calls for Jasprit Bumrah to start in critical fourth Test
India’s narrow 22-run defeat to England at Lord’s has left them trailing 2-1 in the five-match Test series. After being bowled out for just 170 in a tense Day 5 chase of 193, India now faces a must-win scenario in the remaining matches.
The loss has reignited the ongoing debate over Jasprit Bumrah’s workload management. Bumrah was rested during the second Test in Birmingham despite a match-winning performance in the series opener. His absence at Lord’s has drawn scrutiny, especially from former captain Anil Kumble.
“Series done and dusted” if Bumrah doesn’t play, says Kumble
Speaking on JioStar, Kumble was blunt in his assessment: “If he doesn’t [play] and you lose the Test match, that’s it. Series done and dusted.” He stressed that the original plan to rest Bumrah for two Tests should be scrapped given the current stakes.
“Bumrah should play both the Test matches. I know he said he’s only going to play three. We have a long break after this. You can take a break during the home series if needed, but Bumrah should be playing next,” Kumble added.
India’s winless record at Old Trafford adds urgency
Old Trafford has not been kind to India. In nine previous appearances in Manchester, India has never won a Test match—losing four and drawing five. Their last outing at the venue, in 2014 under MS Dhoni, ended in a heavy innings defeat.
With England building momentum behind Ben Stokes and Jofra Archer, the pressure on India to field their strongest XI has never been higher. The return of Bumrah could be the difference between leveling the series or losing it.
Siraj and Akash Deep impressed, but leadership is key
India managed a convincing win in the second Test in Bumrah’s absence, led by five-wicket hauls from Mohammed Siraj and Akash Deep. However, the defeat at Lord’s exposed the attack’s inability to deliver under pressure without Bumrah’s leadership, reverse swing, and pinpoint accuracy.
While India’s pace depth is strong, Bumrah remains the spearhead—especially in tight matches that can go either way.
BCCI keeps quiet, Gill offers no clarity
The BCCI has yet to issue a statement regarding Bumrah’s selection for the fourth Test. Following the Lord’s defeat, captain Shubman Gill was non-committal when asked about Bumrah’s availability: “You’ll get to know about it soon.”
With the fourth Test at Old Trafford starting July 23, time is running out for clarity. The decision could determine not just the outcome of this series, but also shape India’s legacy in English Test cricket.
