Ajinkya Rahane has suggested a suitable replacement for Jasprit Bumrah in case the pace spearhead is rested for the fourth Test in Manchester. With India preparing for the crucial fourth match of the five-Test series against England, Ajinkya Rahane has identified who could step in for Bumrah if needed. The match is scheduled to begin on July 23 at Old Trafford, Manchester.
Bumrah’s availability for the upcoming Test remains uncertain. Prior to the series, the Indian team management had made it clear that the pacer would feature in only three of the five Tests as part of workload management.
Having already played in two Tests so far and sitting out the second Test at Edgbaston, Bumrah is expected to appear in just one of the remaining two matches. It remains to be seen whether he will be included for the Manchester Test or kept fresh for the series finale.
Ajinkya Rahane Backs Arshdeep Singh as Jasprit Bumrah’s Replacement if Unavailable for Fourth Test
Speaking on his YouTube channel, former India vice-captain Ajinkya Rahane suggested that if Jasprit Bumrah is unavailable for the fourth Test, Arshdeep Singh should be the one to step in.
“I think so, yes. If Bumrah isn’t playing, Arshdeep is the right choice. In English conditions, a left-arm seamer who can swing the ball both ways is invaluable. Plus, his different angle can create rough patches that help the spinners. So, if Bumrah doesn’t make it, Arshdeep should definitely play,” Ajinkya Rahane explained.
However, there is a concern regarding Arshdeep’s fitness. India’s assistant coach Ryan Ten Doeschate revealed that the young left-armer suffered a minor injury during a practice session.
“He took a blow while trying to stop a ball during bowling — it’s just a cut. The medical team has taken him to get it checked by a doctor. Whether he needs stitches or not will determine our planning for the coming days,” Ten Doeschate told India Today.
Ajinkya Rahane, If Bumrah is ruled out, Arshdeep remains the frontrunner to replace him. Prasidh Krishna, who featured in the first two Tests, proved too expensive and is unlikely to return to the playing XI. Although Arshdeep is yet to make his Test debut, he has impressed in both ODIs and T20Is with his ability to move the ball and maintain control.
Bumrah has been exceptional in the series so far, claiming 12 wickets across two matches — including five-wicket hauls in both the first Test at Headingley and the third at Lord’s — at an impressive average of 21.0.