Kumble backs Bumrah to play Manchester Test; Doeschate provides fitness updates

Anil Kumble backs Jasprit Bumrah’s inclusion in the Manchester Test, calling it vital. India’s assistant coach Doeschate shares updates on Bumrah, Siraj, and Pant ahead of the fourth Test

Hyderabad: Former India leg-spinner and JioHotstar expert Anil Kumble said he would certainly push for fast bowler Jasprit Bumrah to play the next Test against England starting July 23, calling it crucial.

“If he doesn’t play and India end up losing the Test, that’s it — the series would be done and dusted. Bumrah should feature in both the remaining Tests. Yes, he mentioned earlier that he would only play three matches, but there is a long break after this,” Kumble said in an interaction with JioHotstar.

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“Bumrah does not need to be part of the home series if he wants rest. But right now, he should be playing the next two,” he added.

India’s assistant coach Ryan ten Doeschate said they would make the final call on Bumrah’s inclusion in Manchester.

“We know we have him available for one of the last two Tests, and it’s pretty obvious that with the series on the line in Manchester, that’s where we are leaning towards playing him,” he said.

“But again, we have to consider all the factors — how many days of cricket we are likely to get there, what gives us the best chance of winning, and how that fits with the game at The Oval. We are looking at the last two matches holistically, as part of the larger series picture,” Doeschate explained.

He also praised Mohammed Siraj’s fighting spirit and provided an update on his fitness.

“We sometimes take for granted just how lucky we are to have someone like Siraj in the team. He may not always deliver the kind of returns you expect from a fast bowler, but in terms of heart, he’s like a lion,” he said.

“Whenever he has the ball in hand, you always feel something is about to happen. He never shies away from the workload, which is why it is important that we manage it properly to ensure he is fit to give his best,” he added.

“We will take a call on the final playing combination closer to the Manchester Test, especially keeping in mind the Harshit Rana situation. As for Siraj, he did take a blow while bowling — he spotted a ball coming toward him and tried to stop it. It’s just a cut, but we’ll assess how bad it is. The medical team will take him to a doctor, and whether he needs stitches will influence our planning,” he explained.

On Pant’s fitness and Dhruv Jurel’s role ahead of the fourth Test, Doeschate said Pant would bat in Manchester before the match.

“I don’t think anything will keep Rishabh out of the match, no matter what. He batted through a lot of pain during the third Test, and from here on, the discomfort in his finger will only get better. Wicketkeeping is the final stage of the recovery process, and we need to ensure he can keep comfortably,” he said.

“We don’t want a repeat of what happened earlier, where we had to replace the keeper mid-innings. Pant has been given adequate rest, and we are trying to give his finger time to heal. Hopefully, he’ll be good to go in Manchester by the first training session. Dhruv Jurel is definitely in the equation. But obviously, Rishabh is fatigued. That said, he will play the next Test and do both — bat and keep wickets,” he said.