Jasprit Bumrah's medical bulletin issued by team India for further part in the series

Team India bowling coach Morne Morkel opened up about Jasprit Bumrah's injury concerns after Day 3 (Friday, July 25) of the ongoing fourth Test against England in Manchester. Morkel confirmed that Jasprit Bumrah is not injured but added that the Indian fast bowlers have lacked energy on the flat pitch.

Jasprit Bumrah left the field during the second session on Day 3, raising concerns among fans and the Indian team management. He returned after the tea break and bowled a few overs but appeared to be struggling. Mohammed Siraj also seemed uncomfortable during his run-up, adding to India’s worries.

Jasprit Bumrah Rolled His Ankle Going Down the Stairs - Morne Morkel

Speaking at the press conference, Morne Morkel provided fitness updates on Jasprit Bumrah and Mohammed Siraj. He revealed that Bumrah twisted his ankle while walking down the stairs during the second new ball phase, and Siraj also rolled his foot in one of the footholes on the field.

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"Yeah, unfortunately, when we took the second new ball, Bumrah rolled his ankles going down the stairs, and then Siraj also I think rolled his foot in one of the footholes. But they, they seem to be OK," Morkel said after Day 3.

Jasprit Bumrah, who usually bowls over 140 kph, was seen operating at a reduced pace on Day 3, dropping to the 120-130 kph range. He managed to dismiss Jamie Smith and ended the day with figures of 1 for 95 from 28 overs.

Need a Little Bit of Energy Behind the Ball - Morne Morkel

India’s struggles with the ball on a batting-friendly Day 3 pitch have raised concerns. Morne Morkel said that the team needs to adapt better when the surface offers little assistance. He stated that Jasprit Bumrah and other bowlers lacked the energy to create chances.

"That's something that we're definitely also trying to get our heads around. On a surface where it gets a little bit flatter, you need a little bit of energy behind the ball, and I think that's definitely one of the factors for us so far in our bowling innings—just getting that little bit of extra zip off the wicket to create the opportunities for caught behind and LBW. But yeah, to look at the workloads of the guys like Siraj and those sort of guys. They've had heavy workloads."

For Anshul Kamboj, It’s His First Test Match - Morne Morkel

The India bowling coach defended debutant Anshul Kamboj’s performance. Morkel said that the conditions, including a heavier outfield, were also challenging, but added there was no lack of intent despite the tough day.

"For Anshul, it's his first Test match so far, and it's important for us that we want to grow and develop a nice fast bowling unit," Morlel continued.

"So not to judge on that. I think it is also a heavier sort of outfield. But in terms of commitment and effort that the guys have put in, I don't think we can fault that."

England ended Day 3 of the Manchester Test at 544/7 with captain Ben Stokes (77) and Liam Dawson (21) at the crease. Stokes had earlier retired hurt on 66 due to cramps but returned to the crease after Chris Woakes was dismissed.

Jasprit Bumrah, who had taken five-wicket hauls in both Leeds and Lord’s, managed just one wicket in 28 overs, conceding 95 runs. Mohammed Siraj also struggled, returning figures of 1 for 113 from 26 overs after dismissing Woakes for 4.

Also read: Morne Morkel throws Shubman Gill under the bus for stupid captaincy vs England