India aims to overturn 2-1 deficit vs England, seeking historic Test series comeback despite injuries and selection challenges.
Highlights:
- IND trails 2-1 in five-match Test series vs ENG.
- Bumrah to play despite back injury, confirms Siraj.
- Team faces injury setbacks: Reddy, Akash Deep, Pant doubtful.
As India prepares for the crucial fourth Test against England at Old Trafford, the stakes have never been higher. Trailing 2-1 in the five-match series, the Indian team is on the brink of scripting a never-before-achieved feat in their Test cricket history — overturning a series deficit to claim a historic win.
Bumrah Set to Play Despite Injury Woes
Star pacer Jasprit Bumrah, the world’s top-ranked Test bowler, is set to return for the fourth Test despite concerns over his back injury. Mohammed Siraj confirmed Bumrah’s availability, while also expressing disappointment over India’s narrow 22-run loss at Lord’s, a match that Siraj believes India could have won.
“That match felt like we could’ve won… But I told myself, it’s 2-1 now, not over yet. That gave me motivation to do better,” said Siraj, who played a key lower-order role at Lord’s.
Injury Concerns Disrupt India’s Selection Plans
IND’s playing XI will see some forced changes due to injuries. All-rounder Nitish Kumar Reddy is ruled out of the remaining matches with a knee injury, while Akash Deep’s groin issue makes his availability doubtful. Rishabh Pant’s participation remains uncertain after a finger injury, although he was seen keeping wickets in practice on Monday.
India’s Lower-Order Resilience Shows Promise
Despite the loss at Lord’s, India’s lower order showed great fight. Bumrah survived 54 balls, Reddy held his own, and Siraj faced 30 deliveries. Ravindra Jadeja remained unbeaten on 61, almost steering India to a memorable win.
Siraj reflected on the gritty performance:
“At one point it looked like we’d lose by 80 runs but we took it deep and made it close, losing by just 22. That fight meant a lot.”
Chasing a Historic First
IND is aiming to achieve what no indian Test team has ever done — come back from a 1-2 or 0-1 deficit to win a five-match Test series. Only thrice in Test history has any team managed such a turnaround. With the Anderson-Tendulkar Trophy on the line, the Shubman Gill-led team is fighting not just for victory, but for legacy.
Read Also: Nitish Kumar Reddy & Arshdeep Singh Will Unavailable From 4th Test Against England
As the fourth Test kicks off on July 23, all eyes will be on Old Trafford to see if this determined Indian side can defy history and script a sensational comeback.
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