India captain Shubman Gill hasn’t confirmed yet whether Jasprit Bumrah will play in the fifth and final Test against England at The Oval. While Bumrah has been one of India’s best bowlers in the series, the team is being careful about managing his workload, especially with a packed cricket calendar ahead.
Shubman Gill Gives No Clear Answer on Bumrah’s Availability for Final Test
The pitch at The Oval has a green cover, so the team is still considering all options. Bumrah has bowled 119.4 overs in the series, which is the third most by an Indian player after Mohammed Siraj with 139 overs and Ravindra Jadeja with 136.1. With such a heavy workload and a short break between games, the team might choose to rest him to avoid injury.
“We will take a decision tomorrow, the wicket looks very green. So let’s see,” said Gill during the pre-match press conference.
Arshdeep Singh in Line for Test Debut at The Oval
Shubman Gill also said that left-arm pacer Arshdeep Singh has been told to be ready, which means he could make his Test debut. He added that since England have not picked a specialist spinner, India is happy to rely on Ravindra Jadeja and Washington Sundar for spin.
“Arshdeep Singh has been asked to get ready, but we will take a call on the playing XI after looking at the pitch, by this evening. England haven’t picked a frontline spinner. We have Jadeja and Washi to do the job,” Gill said.
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Medical Team Steps In to Protect Bumrah’s Long-Term Fitness
It has now been confirmed that Jasprit Bumrah will miss the final Test. Although some fans hoped the team might include him for this important game, the BCCI’s medical team decided not to take the risk. According to a report from ESPNcricinfo, the medical staff reminded the team management to stick to the original plan and not use Bumrah in more than three Tests during the tour.
Jasprit Bumrah played in the first Test at Headingley, was rested for the second at Edgbaston, and returned for the third and fourth matches at Lord’s and Old Trafford.
In Manchester, Jasprit Bumrah bowled 33 overs in one innings, the most he has ever bowled in a single Test. It was also the first time he conceded more than 100 runs in an innings. With only a short three-day break before the next game, the medical team felt it was too risky for him to play. His pace had also dropped during the last two matches. The number of balls he bowled over 140 km/h dropped from 42.7 percent at Headingley to 22.3 percent at Lord’s and just 0.5 percent at Old Trafford.
Will India Choose Kuldeep Yadav Over Shardul Thakur?
With Jasprit Bumrah out, Akash Deep is likely to return to the playing XI after missing the last match due to a groin issue. Even though he played one match fewer, Jasprit Bumrah still ended up as India’s joint-highest wicket-taker in the series with 14 wickets, along with Mohammed Siraj.
Now, India has to decide how to shape their bowling lineup. Will they keep Shardul Thakur for his batting, or bring in Kuldeep Yadav for his ability to take wickets?
The final Test begins on July 31. England leads the series 2-1 and is aiming to win a series against India for the first time since 2018. India is hoping to level the series and return home with a 2-2 draw, which would be a big achievement in English conditions.
Shubman Gill, who has scored 722 runs so far, continues to lead the team from the front and remains a key player in India’s hopes of a strong finish.
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