India’s fast bowler Mohammed Siraj has confirmed that Jasprit Bumrah will play the fourth Test match against England, putting an end to all the speculations. Bumrah is going to hold the key for India in the penultimate Test of the series, with the visitors trailing by 1-2 in the five-match series.

The gun fast bowler has scalped 12 wickets in two Test matches at an average of 21 in the ongoing Anderson-Tendulkar trophy. The ace pacer has bagged two five-wicket hauls in the series. 

Siraj said in the presser, “Jassi bhai toh khelenge. [Jassi bhai will play] as far as I know [smiles].”

Meanwhile, Akash Deep, Arshdeep Singh, and Nitish Kumar Reddy are ruled out of the fourth Test. The fast bowler said their plan is to keep bowling in good areas to reap rewards against England.

Siraj added, “The combination is changing by the day, but our plan is to keep bowling in good areas. In the last match, England batted with a lot of patience. We also felt good and enjoyed the fun of Test cricket. Whatever they do, our plan is to keep bowling in good areas.”

On the other hand, Siraj has bowled 109 overs in three Test matches of the series and he squashed workload management tactics. The fast bowler said he wants to play as many Test matches as he can.

Siraj concluded, “Thank to the almighty, I have been extremely fit and healthy so far. Yes, there are discussions about my workload as well, but my mindset is to make the best of all the opportunities that are coming my way and win matches for my country by performing well. I want to play as many matches as I can for the country.”

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