In a bold call ahead of the do-or-die fourth Test against England in Manchester, former English spinner Monty Panesar has urged the Indian cricket team to bring out their trump card—Jasprit Bumrah—to bounce back from a narrow defeat at Lord’s.

With England leading the five-match Test series 2-1, Monty Panesar emphasized that the fourth Test match is a “must-win” for India, and resting Jasprit Bumrah could prove to be a costly mistake if they wish to have any chance to win the Anderson-Tendulkar Trophy.

Panesar believes that India cannot afford to hold back their best weapon, particularly with the pitch at Old Trafford Cricket Ground offering the most pace and bounce in the country. He believes that Jasprit Bumrah’s firepower could be the key to India’s success in the fourth Test against England.

Monty Panesar urges India to unleash Jasprit Bumrah in Manchester

The pacer has been one of the standout performers for India in the ongoing five-match Test series with 12 wickets from two games, and the former England spinner feels the touring side must field their strongest lineup to have any chance of leveling the Test series in Manchester.

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However, Bumrah is expected to be rested for one of the remaining two tests of the ongoing Anderson-Tendulkar Trophy due to workload concerns, but Panesar warned against such a move, saying it will shatter their hopes brutally against the high-flying England team in Manchester.

Monty Panesar was quoted as saying by ANI: “Jasprit Bumrah should play the next match. It is a must-win match for India. They need to play their best attack. Jasprit Bumrah has to play the next Test. It is the pitch with the most pace and bounce in the country, so he has to play.”

Monty Panesar shocked by Arshdeep Singh’s omission from India XI in England

Meanwhile, Panesar has raised eyebrows over India’s decision to keep Arshdeep Singh out of the playing XI in the ongoing five-match Test series against England. The former spinner has pointed out that the left-arm pacer could have added much-needed variety to India’s bowling attack in English conditions, where movement and angles play a big role.

He also noted that Arshdeep’s experience in county cricket makes him a great option for India on the English pitches. With his ability to swing the ball and challenge right-handers with sharp angles, Panesar believes that the young pacer could have made a difference, especially in Leeds.

Panesar signed off by saying, “I am surprised he didn’t play the first Test. He brings good angles and will be effective in English conditions.”

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Arshdeep Singh’s Test debut in doubt after hand injury scare

Notably, Arshdeep Singh is yet to make his Test debut, but he was expected to play the fourth Test. However, he hurt his hand and had to visit the doctor, which has put his chances in doubt.

Sharing an update on the pacer, India’s assistant coach Ryan ten Doeschate stated, “He took a ball while he was bowling there. So, he hit a ball, and he tried to stop it, and it’s just a cut.”