Former Indian wicket-keeper bat Deep Dasgupta urged India’s think tank to play Jasprit Bumrah in the fourth Test match against England. It has already been revealed by the team management that Bumrah is going to play only three out of the five Test matches.

As there is a nine-day gap between the third and fourth Test, Bumrah can be available to play at Old Trafford. Bumrah has scalped 12 wickets in two Test matches of the series at an impressive average of 21.

Bumrah has bagged two five-wicket hauls in the series and there is no doubt he is going to hold the key for the visitors.

Deep Dasgupta said on Star Sports, “Jasprit Bumrah in the fourth Test, absolutely yes. I’ve heard rumors that the plan for him was to play in the first, third and fifth Tests. But now, when India are 1-2 behind, the fourth Test becomes very, very crucial. You would definitely want the world’s best bowler to play. There is an eight-day gap between the two Tests. It remains to be seen whether the fifth Test is still relevant after the fourth Test, but the relevance of the fourth Test is considerable.”

On the other hand, former Indian leg-spinner Anil Kumble also backed Bumrah to play the remaining two Test matches against England and rest himself for the home Test series against West Indies.

Kumble said on JioHotstar, “I would certainly, if I’m a part of that group, I would certainly push Bumrah to play the next game because that’s crucial. If he doesn’t play and then you lose the Test match, that’s it. The series is done and dusted.

“I think Bumrah should play both the Test matches. I know he said, ‘I’m only going to play three’. We have a long break after this. You don’t need to play the home series. You can take a break if you want. But Bumrah should be playing the next.”

The fourth Test match between England and India will be played at Emirates Old Trafford, Manchester, from July 23 onwards.