In a major boost for India ahead of the pivotal fourth Test against England, pacer Mohammed Siraj on Monday confirmed that star fast bowler Jasprit Bumrah will feature in the playing XI. Bumrah`s participation had been the subject of intense debate, with earlier reports suggesting that he would only be fielded in three of the five Tests as part of a workload management strategy by the team management.

Bumrah, who has already made a significant impact in the series, featured in the first and third Tests at Headingley and Lord’s respectively. He was rested for the third Test at Edgbaston, where India managed to clinch a thrilling win. With the series delicately poised at 2-1 in England`s favour, many former players and fans had called for India to bring back their pace spearhead for the high-stakes match at Old Trafford.

Among those advocating for Bumrah’s inclusion was former India captain and head coach Anil Kumble, who had stressed the importance of fielding the strongest XI for such a crucial contest. Siraj, addressing the media ahead of the fourth Test, brought clarity to the situation, albeit in a light-hearted manner.