India vs England: Injuries Force Strategic Rejig Ahead of Manchester Test
As the high-stakes Test series between India and England heads into its final leg in Manchester, both sides are grappling with injury setbacks that could significantly influence their team combinations.
England have suffered a major blow with the unavailability of off-spinner Shoaib Bashir, who has been ruled out of the remainder of the series due to injury. Although spin hasn’t been a dominant factor in the first three Tests, England found themselves hesitant to rely solely on Joe Root’s part-time offerings in case their pace attack faltered.
In a surprising move, England have turned to Liam Dawson as a replacement. Dawson, who last played a Test in 2017, was chosen over more recent options like Rehan Ahmed, Tom Hartley, and Jack Leach. The decision points to England’s desire for control and experience, even if it means fielding a player with only three Test caps.
Meanwhile, India’s concerns are centered around their pace spearhead Mohammed Siraj. Despite a modest wicket tally in the series, Siraj has earned high praise from India’s assistant coach Ryan ten Doeschate for his "lion-hearted" efforts and unrelenting commitment. Siraj has featured in 24 of India's last 27 Tests, bowling more overs than any other Indian pacer in that time.
"He's like a lion with the ball," said ten Doeschate. "You get the feeling something can always happen when he's bowling." The coach emphasized the need to carefully manage Siraj’s workload, particularly given his tireless performances across formats and conditions. The management is even considering resting him to preserve his long-term fitness.
Further complicating India’s bowling plans, left-arm pacer Arshdeep Singh, who was in contention for a debut, sustained an injury during training. His availability remains uncertain, with the final call on the playing XI expected closer to match day.
Ten Doeschate also likened Siraj’s never-say-die attitude to that of England's Ben Stokes, noting that players like them often need to be protected from themselves. “Sometimes it’s on us, the management, to say ‘that’s enough’—even when he’s raring to go.”
With both camps navigating crucial personnel decisions, the fifth and final Test promises a gripping finale—not just in terms of skills, but in the endurance and spirit of the players who take the field.
