As the captivating Test series between India and England stands delicately poised at 2-1 in favor of the hosts, all attention is fixed on the crucial fourth Test set to commence on July 23 at Old Trafford, Manchester.The Indian team faces significant selection dilemmas, particularly concerning their key players and pace attack, amidst injury concerns and workload management strategies. Adding a unique layer to this storied rivalry, the new Anderson-Tendulkar Trophy now represents future Test series between the two cricketing giants.

A major talking point revolves around the potential inclusion of pace spearhead Jasprit Bumrahin the Playing XI. Having taken 12 wickets in just two Tests this series, including a pivotal five-wicket haul at Lord's, Bumrah was rested for the second Test as part of a strategic workload management plan, especially after returning from a long injury layoff. Former India cricketer Suresh Raina lauded Bumrah as a “legend,” emphasizing that the final decision on his participation rests with the medical team, as Bumrah “knows his body” and “his workload.” Assistant coach Ryan ten Doeschate confirmed the team's intent to assess him closer to the match, acknowledging a “leaning towards playing him” given the series is on the line. It has been learned that Bumrah is indeed slated to play in Manchester, with a prior decision indicating he would feature in only three Tests this series, implying he would be rested for the final Test at The Oval.

Photo Credit: Pinterest

Another vital assessment surrounds Rishabh Pant, India's second-highest run-scorer in the series with an impressive 425 runs at an average of 70.83. Pant sustained a finger injury at Lord's but bravely continued to bat through the pain. Ten Doeschate expressed confidence in Pant's resilience, stating, “I don't think you're going to keep Rishabh out of the Test no matter what. He batted with pain, and it's only going to get better.” Both Bumrah and Pant are considered pivotal for India's aspirations to level or win the series.

The management of India’s pace attack has become a critical concern, particularly with Mohammed Siraj emerging as the most important pacer on this tour. Despite having played three grueling Tests, Siraj appeared restless during a practice session in Kent, eager to bowl but restricted by the team to manage his workload. Ten Doeschate highlighted Siraj’s dedication, noting, “Siraj is not someone who’s going to shy away from the workload, so it makes it even more important for us to manage his workload and make sure that he’s at least fit to give his best.” Bowling coach Morne Morkel previously stated they often have to “literally take the ball out of Siraj’s hands” during practice due to his immense enthusiasm.

Siraj’s journey to becoming a frontline bowler has been one of significant transformation. There were underlying concerns about his form prior to the England tour, especially after poor returns on lively pitches in Australia seven months prior, and he was often perceived as a 'third seamer.' However, in England, Siraj has demonstrated thoughtful preparation and unwavering commitment. Former Team India strength and conditioning coach Soham Desai revealed Siraj’s dedication, recalling how the pacer devised a workout program even before the Australia tour for a pilgrimage, and how he bowled with “all his heart” in a Ranji Trophy match after being dropped from the Champions Trophy squad.

Former India pacer Amit Bhandari observed Siraj focusing on Test match lengths during the IPL, often discussing bowling with fellow pacers like Prasidh Krishna and head coach Ashish Nehra. Bharat Arun, Siraj’s discoverer, had seen this tour as an opportunity for Siraj to prove himself as a frontline bowler, emphasizing the importance of controlling his aggression. Interestingly, Siraj’s bowling average significantly improves when Bumrah is not playing, dropping to 23 from his career average of 31. Akash Deep, who picked up a 10-wicket haul in the second Test, credited Siraj’s guidance during the game, reinforcing the team’s view of Siraj as a “lion” who consistently makes things happen.

Compounding India’s pace concerns are fresh injury setbacks. Fast bowler Akash Deep, who was the hero of India’s 336-run victory at Edgbaston with a 10-wicket haul, is reportedly dealing with a recurring back niggle. He struggled to complete his spells during the second innings at Lord’s and is a doubtful starter for the Manchester Test. This injury had previously kept him out of cricket for three months after the Australia tour. Additionally, left-arm pacer Arshdeep Singh split the webbing on his bowling hand during practice. As a result, Haryana pacer Anshul Kamboj has been called up as cover for both injured bowlers. The team management's plan to rotate Bumrah and Akash Deep means if Bumrah plays in Manchester, Akash Deep will be rested, with the latter expected to replace Bumrah at The Oval.

The Indian team’s journey to Manchester from London via train, which involved walking in the rain, underscored the unique challenges of the tour. Earlier, a practice session in Kent saw a relaxed environment with music playing and players largely deciding their own routines, with “burnout” not initially being a primary concern for the team management. However, the current spate of injuries highlights the delicate balance of workload and performance.

Photo Credit: Pinterest

In a noteworthy development for the historical rivalry, a new Anderson-Tendulkar Trophy has been unveiled, replacing the Pataudi Trophy in England and the Anthony de Mello Trophy in India for future Test series between the two nations. Veteran England fast bowler James Anderson,despite his extraordinary achievements, expressed profound humility, stating he felt “completely out of place” sharing the trophy’s name with Indian legend Sachin Tendulkar. He described it as strange to hear about his own achievements, as if someone was talking about someone else, highlighting his humble perspective on his long and distinguished career. Anderson acknowledged it was a “proud moment” for him and his family, celebrating the rivalry’s history and intensity.

Adding a lighthearted moment to the build-up, England batter Ollie Pope, who scored a century at Headingley, shared a humorous pre-game tactic during a Sky Sports Cricket interview. He joked about frequently using the toilet when waiting to bat “just to make sure I don't need one when I'm out on the pitch,” and also revealed he avoids watching the game live before his turn, preferring to converse with Joe Root in the changing room instead. With the series on the line, these lighter moments punctuate the high-stakes atmosphere as both teams prepare for the Manchester showdown.