India Aim to Break Manchester Jinx and Square Test Series

Risabh Pant's return from injury has the potential to boost India's middle order with both bat and gloves

- TRIDIB BAPARNASH

Batting a series of injuries, India will be forced to tinker with their successful playing combination when they take on a confident England in the fourth Test starting Wednesday at Old Trafford, Manchester. Trailing 1-2 in the five-match series, India also have to get over the mental barrier of breaking an winless record at the venue to keep the series for the Anderson-Tendulkar Trophy, alive.

India's preferred balance of three all-rounders has been disrupted with Nitish Kumar Reddy ruled out of the series due to a knee injury. Reddy's contributions with both bat and ball were instrumental in the third Test at Lord's. His absence now opens up a slot that could go to Shardul Thakur, who played the series opener but lacks Reddy's batting depth.

The team management might also consider reverting to the Leeds combination: one spinner in Ravindra Jadeja and specialist batters till No. 6, with Karun Nair and Sai Sudharsan both featuring in the Playing XI.

Bowling options: With Akash Deep doubtful due to a groin strain, uncapped Anshul Kamboj and Prasidh Krishna are in the reckoning. Kamboj, who impressed on the India A tour, showcased good seam movement in training and could be a like-for-like replacement for Deep.

Jasprit Bumrah and Mohammed Siraj remain certainties in the pace attack.