England Updates
Shoaib Bashir has been ruled out of the remaining series with a fractured finger, confirmed by England captain Ben Stokes. As a result, Liam Dawson (35) has been called up to join the squad and is expected to take Bashir’s spot in the playing XI.
Dawson hadn’t played Test cricket since 2017 but brings valuable spin and batting depth, boasting 371 first-class wickets and a batting average over 35.
Seamer Gus Atkinson has recovered from a hamstring issue and is poised to return. England may rest Chris Woakes and feature a pace attack of Atkinson, Jofra Archer, and Brydon Carse.
India Updates
India is expected to make a couple of changes after falling 1–2 behind in the series.
Karun Nair has underperformed (131 runs @ 21.83), prompting consideration of Abhimanyu Easwaran as a replacement.
In the spin department, Washington Sundar, despite bowling well, may make way for wrist-spinner Kuldeep Yadav to enhance bowling variation.
Regarding fitness, Rishabh Pant underwent scans and is not suffering from a major injury, making him likely to be available at Old Trafford.
On Jasprit Bumrah, India captain Shubman Gill responded enigmatically, saying: “You will get to know soon,” fueling speculation about Bumrah’s participation.
Predicted Playing XIs (4th Test, Old Trafford, starts July 23)
England (likely changes in bold):
Zak Crawley, Ben Duckett, Ollie Pope, Joe Root, Harry Brook, Ben Stokes (C), Jamie Smith (WK), Chris Woakes/Gus Atkinson, Brydon Carse, Jofra Archer, Liam Dawson
India (potential updates):
KL Rahul, Yashasvi Jaiswal, Abhimanyu Easwaran, Shubman Gill (C), Rishabh Pant (WK), Ravindra Jadeja, Nitish Reddy, Kuldeep Yadav, Akash Deep, Jasprit Bumrah?, Mohammed Siraj
What This Means
England maintain momentum and gain an all-round boost by adding Dawson to stabilize lower-order batting and spin options. The fast-bowling unit remains potent with Atkinson or Carse alongside Archer.
India, trailing 1–2, must revitalize their lower and middle order. The inclusion of Easwaran and Kuldeep aims to reinforce batting resilience and spin variety.
Key Watchpoints:
- Whether Bumrah will take the field.
- Fitness and form of Pant and Sundar.
- England’s team strategy adjusting to Dawson’s inclusion and Atkinson’s return.