Will Jasprit Bumrah play the fifth IND vs ENG Test? Kuldeep Yadav in mix, Akash Deep likely to return in India XI

Divy Dubey

Will Jasprit Bumrah play the fifth IND vs ENG Test? Kuldeep Yadav in mix, Akash Deep likely to return in India XI image

With the Anderson-Tendulkar Trophy on the line, India head into the fifth and final Test at The Oval with a series of big selection decisions to make - none bigger than the question of whether Jasprit Bumrah will feature.

After escaping with a thrilling draw in Manchester, India have the momentum but they will need a bowling capable of taking 20 wickets to level the series 2-2.

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Will Jasprit Bumrah play in the 5th Test?

Bumrah's availability is still undecided. He has bowled nearly 120 overs in the series - including 33 in the fourth Test.

And although India only bowled once in Manchester, workload management remains a concern. According to reports, a wildcard approach is being considered and the final call on Bumrah will be made within the next 24 hours.

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India are also aware of the need to play a more attacking bowling line-up. The pitches have stayed dry despite occasional rain forecasts and there is a growing push to bring in wrist-spinner Kuldeep Yadav who has been on the sidelines throughout the series.

Kuldeep Yadav, Akash Deep likely to play in the 5th Test

Akash Deep impressed on debut earlier in the series. He is expected to return while Mohammed Siraj is set to retain his place.

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The third seamer's spot will go to either Bumrah (if cleared), Arshdeep Singh or Prasidh Krishna. Anshul Kamboj - who made a quiet debut in Manchester, is unlikely to be retained.

Shardul Thakur's chances look slim too. His underuse in Manchester indicated a lack of faith in his bowling and with Kuldeep providing a genuine wicket-taking option, India may finally bring the spinner into action.

On the batting front, Dhruv Jurel will take over wicket-keeping from the injured Rishabh Pant. The rest of the batting order is expected to remain unchanged.

Divy Dubey

Divy Dubey is a content producer for The Sporting News' India edition. He has a passion for cricket and is an avid fan of football. His work spans culture, media, and digital trends. With a background in research and a curiosity-driven approach, he enjoys crafting thoughtful, engaging stories that invite readers to see everyday topics in a new light.