In a major setback for Team India Jasprit Bumrah is unlikely to feature for the fifth and final Test of the Anderson-Tendulkar Trophy at The Oval. According to the ESPNCricinfo report, the team management and BCCI medical staff have opted to rest him due to back concerns.
Bumrah played the series opener in Leeds and then missed the second match in Birmingham, and then played at Lord's and at Old Trafford. Earlier the pacer had sustained a significant back injury during India's previous tour of Australia after pushing through physical limits, an episode the team is keen not to repeat.
Why is Jasprit Bumrah being rested for India vs England 5th Test?
Before the series began, both head coach Gautam Gambhir had indicated that Bumrah would be available for only three of the five Tests. However, the tight three-day turnaround, the expected flat surface at The Oval, and his recent heavy workload 33 overs in a single innings at Manchester, his highest in a Test led to the cautious call.
With the series on the line and India trailing 1-2, the decision prioritises Bumrah's long-term fitness over the short-term stakes of a potential series-leveling win.
Who will replace Jasprit Bumrah and Rishabh Pant in playing XI?
With Bumrah out, Akash Deep who missed the fourth Test due to a groin strain, is set to return to the XI. Akash Deep has replaced Bumrah in the second Test at Edgbaston. He made the chance count by picking a rare 10-wicket haul for an Indian pacer at Edgbaston.
Additionally, Arshdeep Singh is likely to make his Test debut, replacing Anshul Kamboj, while Mohammed Siraj is expected to feature in his fifth consecutive Test. With Rishabh Pant ruled out of the Oval Test, Dhruv Jurel will keep wickets and bat in the middle order.
