After a disappointing loss at Lord's in the third Test, India now head to Manchester to draw level in the series and keep their hopes alive of winning a Test on English soil after 18 years.
India bounced back strongly at Edgbaston after losing the first Test at Headingley. Without their star pacer Jasprit Bumrah, the visitors managed to thrash the hosts by 336 runs.
Bumrah returned for the third Test at the 'Home of Cricket' and even took a fifer in the first innings but India still went down fighting by 22 runs.
Follow The Sporting News India on WhatsApp
It was earlier clarified by the team management that India would play at least two Tests without Bumrah's services as they want to manage the pacer's workload, who is still recovering from the back injury that he suffered against Australia in the Border-Gavaskar Trophy in January.
If stats are to go by, India have won more matches than they lost in the absence of Bumrah, although the 31-year-old is one of the most important players in the squad.
Did David Lloyd take a dig at Jasprit Bumrah?
Lloyd did not take a dig at Bumrah and, in fact, he praised the fast bowler's abilities and even suggested that India should play him in the series-deciding game at Manchester.
Speaking to TalkSport Cricket, the veteran said: "It is what they’ve said and what the coach Gautam Gambhir said that he will play three out of the five Tests. So, he’s got a choice. There are two matches to go. He’s played two. If they are true to their words, he should play this next game at Old Trafford. But then, you know, they can manoeuvre that, can’t they?
"If he (Bumrah) plays this next one at Old Trafford and they get a result to make it 2-2, you’d think he’d play at The Oval as well. I’m second-guessing, but I think he’ll play this next game and see where they are. If England go 3-1, he won’t play. But if it’s 2-2, he will play at the Oval."
Lloyd added: "That’s extraordinary. There was something that said when he (Bumrah) plays, they (India) lose more than when he doesn’t play, and he is like the best bowler in the world. And he is awkward and nasty with his action, but a thoroughly decent fella."
READ: Ex-India captain to Jaiswal - 'It's Test match cricket, not T20'
What next for the Indian cricket team?
India will hope to restore parity in the series when the fourth Test kicks off on July 23 at Manchester.