Jasprit Bumrah OUT of Manchester Test, replacement finalized

With India trailing 1-2 in the ongoing Anderson-Tendulkar Trophy, the pressure is mounting ahead of the must-win fourth Test against England. Ahead of the Manchester encounter, Ajinkya Rahane has made a bold suggestion to hand the debut cap to Arshdeep Singh in the fourth Test.

India’s pace spearhead Jasprit Bumrah is likely to be rested for the do-or-die clash in Manchester as part of workload management, and Ajinkya Rahane believes that there's no better option than Arshdeep Singh to fill the void in the playing XI against England.

Ajinkya Rahane backs Arshdeep Singh to replace Jasprit Bumrah in Manchester Test

The left-arm pacer, who is known for his ability to swing the ball both ways, has been warming the bench in the ongoing five-match Test series, but he might get a chance to make his Test debut in Manchester. Ajinkya Rahane noted that Arshdeep's left-arm angle, combined with his knack for troubling batters with late swing, could be the X-factor India desperately needs in the fourth Test.

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Adding to the tactical edge, the young fast bowler’s footmarks could create vital rough patches for the spinners to exploit the pitch. But Arshdeep recently picked up a hand injury during a practice session in Beckenham, casting doubt over his fitness for the fourth Test in Manchester.

Ajinkya Rahane said in a video posted on his YouTube channel, “I think so, yes. If Jasprit Bumrah is not playing, Arshdeep is the guy. Because in England, you need a left-arm seamer who can swing the ball both ways, and also, with a different angle, he can create that roughness for the spinners. So, if Bumrah doesn't play, Arshdeep should play the next one.”

Ajinkya Rahane backs Kuldeep Yadav for fourth Test

Meanwhile, Ajinkya Rahane also called for a change in the spin attack. With the pitch at the Old Trafford Cricket Ground expected to offer turn once again, the seasoned batter wants Kuldeep Yadav to replace Washington Sundar or Nitish Kumar Reddy in the fourth Test. Ajinkya Rahane feels Kuldeep’s ability to take wickets in dry conditions might give India the edge they need to bounce back in the series.

Ajinkya Rahane signed off by saying, “Depending on the condition of the wicket, I feel Kuldeep should play. If the wicket is similar to the last three Test matches, Kuldeep should play because you need guys who can get you those wickets. Our batting unit is doing really well. Even if you score 25-30 runs less, that's okay. But you need people who can get you those wickets. You don't want to depend on your leading fast bowlers every time.”

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Kuldeep Yadav awaits a second chance in England

Notably, Kuldeep Yadav has very little Test experience in England. He has played only one Test match in England, and that was at Lord’s in 2018. In that game, the wrist-spinner bowled just nine overs and didn’t take any wickets in England’s only innings at Lord’s.

Now, with the fourth Test of the Anderson-Tendulkar Trophy set to begin on July 23 at the Old Trafford Cricket Ground in Manchester, the pitch conditions and team balance will likely play a big role in Kuldeep’s selection.