Bumrah Injured on Stadium Stairs, Team India Suffers as England Crosses 500 in Manchester Test

Team India's already struggling bowling lineup faced a fresh blow during the fourth Test in Manchester, when star pacer Jasprit Bumrah suffered an injury—not on the field, but on the stairs of Old Trafford Stadium. This minor mishap ended up impacting India's bowling attack significantly as England crossed 544 runs by the end of Day 3.

Why Was Bumrah Playing?

Before the match, India was already reeling from the injuries to Akash Deep and Arshdeep Singh. With the series on the line and limited bowling options, Bumrah—despite fitness concerns—was forced into the XI. However, his physical strain showed on the pitch, especially on Day 3.

The Staircase Incident

According to bowling coach Morne Morkel, the incident occurred while Bumrah was descending the dressing room stairs on Day 3. He twisted his leg, and though the injury wasn’t serious, it limited his ability to bowl with the second new ball. Morkel said Bumrah was in visible discomfort and could not sustain long spells.

When Injuries Hurt the Most

India’s bowling coach admitted that the team paid the price. Morkel revealed,

“Unfortunately, when we took the second new ball, the injuries of two bowlers (Bumrah and Siraj) put us in trouble.”

Bumrah bowled just one over with the new ball before heading back to the pavilion and returned only much later. Siraj, too, was struggling and bowled just 5 overs with the new ball before also walking off with fitness issues.

Bowling Numbers Tell the Story

By stumps on Day 3:

• England had scored 544/7 in 135 overs

• Bumrah: 28 overs, 95 runs, 1 wicket

• Siraj: 26 overs, 113 runs, 1 wicket

• Anshul Kamboj: 18 overs, 89 runs, 1 wicket

• Shardul Thakur: 11 overs, 55 runs, no wickets

India’s fast bowlers appeared ineffective and physically strained, giving England the upper hand in a match that may prove decisive for the series.