India are facing a pivotal decision over the availability of pace spearhead Jasprit Bumrah ahead of the fourth Test against England at Old Trafford. With the hosts one win away from sealing the series, the pressure is firmly on the visitors to get their selection right, with their sights set on a first Test series win in England since 2007.

Bumrah’s participation in the penultimate Test hangs in the balance due to concerns over his long-standing back issue. Head coach Gautam Gambhir had indicated at the beginning of the tour that Bumrah, currently the world’s top-ranked Test bowler, would only be used in three of the five matches. The 31-year-old featured in the opening and third Tests, both of which India lost, and was rested for the second match, where the tourists levelled the series.

Opting to play Bumrah in Manchester could potentially rule him out of a high-stakes fifth Test. Yet with all-rounder Nitish Kumar Reddy and left-arm pacer Arshdeep Singh sidelined through injury, India’s bowling resources are stretched. That makes the decision even more critical, as they look to avoid conceding the series with one Test to play.