England will get a respite from the potential danger of Jasprit Bumrah in the fourth Test, as India’s top bowler will be taking a break and not playing in Ranchi.

India had been deliberating on how to handle the workload of the 30-year-old and decided to bring him into play during the third Test. He then went on to secure two crucial wickets, bringing his total to 17 in the series and helping the hosts win by a record 434 runs, giving them a 2-1 lead.

However, amidst a rapid change of events, the fourth Test will commence at the JSCA Stadium on Friday. Bumrah, on the other hand, did not accompany the team on the charter flight and is believed to have gone back to his family residence in Ahmedabad, which is a four-hour drive from Rajkot.

The Board of Control for Cricket in India has announced that Jasprit Bumrah will not be part of the squad for the 4th IDFC First Bank Test against England in Ranchi. This decision was made due to the length of the series and the amount of cricket he has played recently.

The BCCI stated that KL Rahul will not be playing in the fourth Test. His return to the team in Dharamsala will depend on his physical condition. Meanwhile, Virat Kohli is absent from the entire series due to personal reasons. He has also shared the news of his second child, a son named Akaay.

Bumrah’s break gives England, especially Joe Root, a break as well. Root, the previous captain, has been dismissed by Bumrah in all three Tests so far, including the controversial reverse scoop to slip in Rajkot which led to a crucial collapse on the third day.

Mukesh Kumar, who participated in the second Test in Visakhapatnam, is back with the team along with the inexperienced Akash Deep, the additional fast bowler. However, the decision on who will replace Bumrah will be influenced by the pitch conditions in Ranchi. If a pitch that favors spin is prepared, Axar Patel may make a comeback into the playing eleven, leaving Mohammed Siraj as the sole seamer.

The composition of England’s bowling lineup will also need to be taken into account, as there is a belief that Jimmy Anderson will be given a break. Mark Wood was intentionally limited on the fourth day of the match in Rajkot, only bowling two overs. Seamer Ollie Robinson and spinner Shoaib Bashir are the potential substitutes from the sidelines.

The potential success of the latter may depend on whether Ben Stokes is prepared to expedite his comeback as an all-rounder. Following knee surgery in November, the England captain has resumed bowling in practice during the tour, with the initial target being the summer. However, after the loss last Sunday, it was revealed that this plan may be altered.

Source: theguardian.com