The Indian cricket team is gearing up for a pivotal clash in the Anderson-Tendulkar Trophy 2025, with the fourth Test against England set to commence on July 23 at Old Trafford, Manchester. In a significant boost for India, star pacer Jasprit Bumrah has been confirmed to play in this must-win encounter, as revealed by his teammate Mohammed Siraj during a press conference. With India trailing 1-2 in the five-match series, the IND vs ENG battle in Manchester is critical for the visitors to keep their hopes alive for a series victory. This article delves into the significance of Bumrah’s inclusion, the challenges facing the Indian team, and the strategic considerations for both sides in this high-stakes IND vs ENG contest.
Bumrah’s Return: A Game-Changer for IND vs ENG
Jasprit Bumrah’s participation in the fourth Test has been a topic of intense speculation throughout the series. Initially, the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) and head coach Gautam Gambhir had outlined a workload management plan, restricting Bumrah to playing only three of the five Tests to prevent a recurrence of a back injury sustained earlier in 2025. Having already featured in the first Test at Headingley and the third at Lord’s, where he claimed 12 wickets, including two five-wicket hauls, Bumrah’s availability for the IND vs ENG Manchester Test was uncertain. However, Mohammed Siraj put an end to the suspense, stating, “Jassi bhai toh khelengey jitna pata hai! (As far as I know, Jasprit Bumrah bhai will play)”.
Bumrah’s inclusion is a massive boost for India, especially given his exceptional form in the series. With 12 wickets at an average of 21, he has been a standout performer, consistently troubling England’s batsmen with his pace, swing, and unplayable yorkers. His ability to deliver in clutch moments makes him a vital cog in India’s bowling attack for the IND vs ENG encounter. Former India captain Anil Kumble had earlier emphasized the need for Bumrah to play in both remaining Tests, given the series’ precarious state, and Siraj’s confirmation aligns with this sentiment.
However, Bumrah’s workload remains a concern. Assistant coach Ryan ten Doeschate highlighted the importance of managing the pacer’s fitness, especially with the fifth Test at The Oval looming. “We’ve got to look at all the factors: how many days of cricket are we going to get up there, what do we feel is our best chance of winning that game, and then how that fits in together with The Oval,” he said. The team’s cautious approach stems from Bumrah’s history of injuries, including a stress reaction in his back during the fifth Test against Australia in January 2025. Despite these concerns, the decision to field Bumrah in the IND vs ENG Manchester Test reflects India’s determination to go all out in a do-or-die scenario.
Siraj’s Role and Workload Concerns
Mohammed Siraj, the leading wicket-taker in the series with 13 scalps in three Tests, has been a revelation for India. His fiery spells and relentless energy have earned him praise from ten Doeschate, who described him as the “lion-hearted” core of India’s bowling attack. Siraj’s ability to step up in Bumrah’s absence was evident in the second Test at Edgbaston, where he claimed a six-wicket haul, helping India secure a 336-run victory to level the IND vs ENG series. However, his workload—having bowled 109 overs in the series—is a significant concern for the team management.
Ten Doeschate acknowledged the need to manage Siraj’s fitness to ensure he remains effective in Manchester. “Siraj doesn’t always have the returns that you expect from a fast bowler, but in terms of heart, he’s like a lion,” he said, emphasizing the pacer’s importance to the team’s dynamics. Siraj’s emotional investment in the IND vs ENG series was evident when he spoke about the heartbreaking 22-run loss at Lord’s, where his unfortunate dismissal—when the ball rolled back onto the stumps after a defensive shot—sealed India’s fate. “I am very emotional… it could have been 2-1. Jaddu bhai ne itna fight kiya,” Siraj remarked, reflecting on Ravindra Jadeja’s valiant effort.
Despite the emotional setback, Siraj remains optimistic about India’s chances in the IND vs ENG Manchester Test. He stressed the importance of bowling in good areas and maintaining patience, drawing inspiration from England’s disciplined batting in the previous match. “The combination is changing by the day, but our plan is to keep bowling in good areas,” he said, highlighting the team’s adaptability in the face of challenges.
Injury Woes and Team Composition
India’s preparations for the IND vs ENG Manchester Test have been hampered by a series of injuries. Left-arm pacer Arshdeep Singh has been ruled out due to a hand injury sustained during a net session in Beckenham, while all-rounder Nitish Kumar Reddy is out of the series with a knee injury. Additionally, Akash Deep, who has taken 11 wickets in the series, is nursing a groin issue, and his participation remains uncertain. “Akash Deep has a groin issue, physios are examining. He bowled in the morning as well. Yet to get feedback from physio,” Siraj noted.
To address these setbacks, India have called up uncapped seamer Anshul Kamboj as injury cover. The team’s bowling combination is likely to undergo changes, with Siraj and Bumrah expected to lead the attack. The inclusion of Kamboj, alongside other pacers like Prasidh Krishna and Shardul Thakur, adds depth, but the absence of Arshdeep and potentially Akash Deep poses challenges. Spin options like Ravindra Jadeja, Washington Sundar, and Kuldeep Yadav could also play a crucial role, especially if the Old Trafford pitch offers turn.
The batting lineup, too, faces uncertainties. Wicketkeeper-batsman Rishabh Pant is battling a finger injury sustained during the Lord’s Test, which limited his participation in training. While he is expected to keep wickets in Manchester, his fitness will be closely monitored. The absence of Nitish Reddy, who contributed with both bat and ball, further complicates India’s balance. Shubman Gill, leading the side, will need to rely on the likes of Yashasvi Jaiswal, KL Rahul, and Ravindra Jadeja to deliver with the bat in this crucial IND vs ENG encounter.
England’s Strengths and Challenges
England, led by Ben Stokes, hold a 2-1 lead in the Anderson-Tendulkar Trophy and are buoyed by their narrow victory at Lord’s. Stokes has been a standout performer, not only with the bat but also with the ball, bowling 105 overs in the series—second only to Siraj. His endurance and all-round contribution have set a high benchmark, with ten Doeschate acknowledging that India’s bowlers cannot yet be compared to Stokes’ relentless approach. England’s bowling attack, featuring Jofra Archer, Chris Woakes, and Gus Atkinson, has been formidable, while their batting lineup, including Joe Root, Harry Brook, and Ollie Pope, poses a significant threat.
However, England are not without their challenges. The team has made a change for the Manchester Test, with Liam Dawson replacing Shoaib Bashir, indicating a potential shift towards a spin-heavy strategy. The Old Trafford pitch, known for its variable bounce and occasional turn, could favor spinners, and India’s Kuldeep Yadav might find conditions to his liking. England’s Harry Brook cautioned against complacency, emphasizing the need for his team to stay focused against a resilient Indian side.
Strategic Considerations for IND vs ENG
For India, the IND vs ENG Manchester Test is a must-win to keep their series hopes alive. The team’s strategy will likely revolve around leveraging Bumrah’s wicket-taking ability in short, sharp spells, as ten Doeschate noted that Bumrah is most effective in shorter bursts. Siraj’s role as the workhorse will be crucial, but the team must ensure he is not overbowled. The inclusion of a third pacer, possibly Kamboj or Krishna, will depend on Akash Deep’s fitness, while the spinners could play a pivotal role if the pitch deteriorates.
India’s batting will need to step up after the collapse at Lord’s, where they fell short by 22 runs while chasing 193. The likes of Gill, Jaiswal, and Pant must provide stability, while Jadeja’s all-round contribution could be a game-changer. The team’s ability to adapt to changing conditions and bowl in disciplined areas, as emphasized by Siraj, will be key to countering England’s aggressive “Bazball” approach.
For England, the focus will be on maintaining their momentum. Stokes’ leadership and all-round prowess will be central, while the bowling attack will aim to exploit India’s injury concerns. The inclusion of Dawson suggests England are preparing for a pitch that might assist spinners, and Root’s part-time spin could also come into play. The hosts will look to capitalize on their 2-1 lead and seal the series, but India’s fighting spirit, bolstered by Bumrah’s return, makes this IND vs ENG clash a tantalizing prospect.
Historical Context and Venue Challenges
Old Trafford has historically been a challenging venue for India, who are yet to win a Test match there. The pitch’s tendency to offer variable bounce and occasional turn adds an element of unpredictability. Weather could also play a role, with forecasts suggesting a possibility of rain, which might lead to a draw—a scenario that could favor England given their series lead. India’s ability to navigate these conditions, both with bat and ball, will be crucial in their quest to level the series.
Fan and Expert Sentiment
The confirmation of Bumrah’s participation has sparked excitement among fans and experts alike. Posts on X reflect the optimism surrounding his inclusion, with many believing his presence could tilt the scales in India’s favor. Anil Kumble’s advocacy for Bumrah’s inclusion in both remaining Tests resonated with supporters, who see the pacer as India’s trump card in the IND vs ENG series. However, concerns about India’s reactive approach to workload management have also surfaced, with some fans urging the team to plan proactively to avoid overworking their key bowlers.
Looking Ahead
The IND vs ENG fourth Test at Old Trafford is poised to be a thrilling contest, with Jasprit Bumrah’s return providing India with a significant boost. Mohammed Siraj’s confirmation of Bumrah’s availability has put an end to speculation, setting the stage for a high-intensity battle. Despite injury concerns and workload challenges, India’s resolve to fight back in the series is evident. England, with their aggressive approach and strong all-round unit, will be a formidable opponent, but India’s blend of experience and resilience makes this a closely contested affair. As both teams prepare for the Manchester Test, the cricketing world awaits an enthralling chapter in the IND vs ENG rivalry.
