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Will Jasprit Bumrah Play 5th Test Match Between England And India At The Oval Today?

Akshita Patel

Suspense over Jasprit Bumrah's participation in Oval Test looms [Source: AFP Photos]Suspense over Jasprit Bumrah's participation in Oval Test looms [Source: AFP Photos]

Indian fast bowler Jasprit Bumrah is likely to miss the fifth and final Test match against England at The Oval, starting Thursday, July 31. Reports suggest that Bumrah may be rested as a precaution to manage his workload and protect his long-term fitness, particularly his back. 

After India drew the fourth Test at Manchester in a heroic effort, head coach Gautam Gambhir confirmed that his entire pace attack is fit and available for selection. Hence, fans are hopeful to see Bumrah continue in The Oval, given the series is on the line.

Jasprit Bumrah Unlikely To Feature In Final Test Vs England

According to ESPN Cricinfo, Jasprit Bumrah is all set to skip the fifth and final Test between India and England scheduled at The Oval. While the pacer is fit, the BCCI’s medical team reportedly advised rest to keep Bumrah fresh for future assignments, especially with the busy calendar ahead. 

Bumrah has already played in the first, third, and fourth Tests of the ongoing five-match series. He was rested for the second Test at Edgbaston. Ahead of the tour, the BCCI had made it clear that Bumrah would not feature in all five Tests.

Interestingly, during the fourth Test in Manchester, Jasprit Bumrah bowled 33 overs in England’s first innings, his highest workload in a single Test innings, and gave away 103 runs while taking 2 wickets. 

His pace also saw a noticeable drop across the series. At Headingley, over 42% of his deliveries were above 140 km/h, but that number dropped to just 0.5% by the fourth Test. 

Akash Deep Most Likely To Replace Bumrah

Filling Jasprit Bumrah’s void is not an easy task. However, according to the Indian Express, Akash Deep is likely to make a comeback and replace Bumrah in the playing XI of the Oval Test. Akash missed the fourth Test with a groin injury.

Other changes might include the return of Karun Nair and Prasidh Krishna in place of Shardul Thakur and Anshul Kamboj. One confirmed forced change is Dhruv Jurel in place of Rishabh Pant, who fractured his toe in Manchester.