The third Test ended on a thrilling note with England clinching a 22-run victory to go 2-1 up in the five-match series. After the classic at Lord's, the series now moves from London to Manchester where the two teams will now clash for the fourth Test. Shubman Gill-led India will have to win the next Test to keep the hopes of winning the series alive. A loss would mean India's wait to win first Test series in England since 2007 will continue.
Ahead of the fourth Test, fitness updates on two players would definitely be the top talking points for the management. Rishabh Pant injured his finger on the first day of the third Test and could not keep wickets throughout the match with Dhruv Jurel taking over as a substitute. Jasprit Bumrah too was expected to play only three Tests out of which he has played two. This casts doubt over his availability in the next match.
Is Rishabh Pant avaialble for 4th Test?
While Pant could not keep wickets in the Lord's Test, he came out to bat in both the innings and even scored a good half-century in the first before getting run out. He looked comfortable while batting and will most probably be fully fit before the next match. However, there is no official word yet on this.
Will Jasprit Bumrah play 4th Test?
In the post-match conference, India captain Gill was asked about Bumrah's availability for the fourth Test. He did not give a clear answer to the question. He simply replied, “You'll get to know soon.”
Gill's answer leaves a lot of suspense over the presence or absence of India's pace spearhead for the crucial fourth Test.
Bumrah had a small ankle issue during the second innings of the third Test but it did not affect his bowling. The pacer took a five-wicket haul, his second of the series, in the first innings and then added two more scalps in the second. He also played 54 balls during India's chase to keep the hopes of a win alive but ultimately India lost by 22 runs.
