Boost for England with Jasprit Bumrah likely to be rested for fourth Test

India fast-bowler Jasprit Bumrah is expected to be rested for the fourth Test in Ranchi, which will be welcome news for England still recovering from the record defeat in the third Test.

The Indian quick is the leading wicket-taker from either side after three Tests, with 17 scalps, and has consistently been the most threatening bowler. However, he is likely to be given rest as part of his workload management, having sent down 80 overs so far in the series.

If Bumrah does sit out of the fourth Test that begins on Friday, Ben Stokes' team will fancy their chances of scoring heavily against an inexperienced new-ball attack. Mohammad Siraj will, in that case, lead the bowling alongside either Mukesh Kumar or the uncapped Akash Deep – hardly a nightmare scenario for England.

India could well be forced to go to their spinners sooner than expected, and for longer. Also, there is no news on the fitness of KL Rahul, with star batsman Virat Kohli still unavailable. All of which will be music to the ears of England management who need every good news they can get.

The visitors were in a great position on day two of the Rajkot Test, racing to 207-2 in 35 overs with star spinner Ravichandran Ashwin pulling out of the match for personal reasons.

But all hopes of a decent first innings lead were blown away by another collapse as India gained a lead of 126 before Yashasvi Jaiswal smashed a double century to to put the match beyond England. The home team won by a mammoth 434 runs.

Jonny Bairstow was among the many England players who came in for criticism. Bairstow has scored just 102 runs in three matches in India but coach Brendon McCullum said it was important to show faith in the batsman.

Bairstow's highest score in the series so