Team India is likely to be without star fast bowler Jasprit Bumrah for the crucial fifth and final Test against England at The Oval, beginning Thursday, July 31, according to an ESPN Cricinfo report. The report adds that the BCCI’s medical team has already conveyed the decision to Bumrah, aiming to prioritise both his and the board’s long-term plans.
Bumrah’s absence from the final Test aligns with the team’s pre-series strategy to play him in only three of the five matches as part of his workload management. However, with India trailing 1-2 in the series and needing a win to draw level, there was speculation that he might be pushed to play a fourth game. The 31-year-old had a rare off day in the fourth Test at Manchester, which ended in a draw.
He gave away more than 100 runs in a single innings for the first time in his career, finishing with figures of 2 for 112 in 33 overs as England amassed 669 runs. Despite playing just three Tests so far, Bumrah remains India’s joint-highest wicket-taker in the series, with 14 wickets at an average of 26, including two five-wicket hauls.
Akash Deep Set To Replace Bumrah For Series-Decider At The Oval
Reports also indicate that Akash Deep is expected to replace Jasprit Bumrah in India’s playing XI for the final Test at The Oval. The Bengal pacer was instrumental in India’s only victory of the series so far, claiming 10 wickets in the second Test at Edgbaston.
His progress was affected by a groin injury at Lord’s, where he took only 1 for 122, leading to his exclusion from the fourth Test. India may also replace Thakur and Kamboj due to their poor performance, with Kuldeep and either Arshdeep or Prasidh likely to be included.
Kuldeep and Arshdeep are yet to play in the series, while Prasidh played the first two Tests. Meanwhile, Rishabh Pant has been ruled out with a fractured toe, and Dhruv Jurel is expected to take his place in the final Test.
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