The final Test of the Anderson-Tendulkar Trophy is almost here and fans have just one big question, will Jasprit Bumrah play at The Oval?
The five-match series is on the edge, with England leading 2-1 and the last match scheduled to begin on July 31 in London.
India managed to fight back for a draw in the fourth Test at Manchester, and a win in the fifth would level the series. But with Bumrah’s fitness and workload in focus, the team management has some tough calls to make.
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What did the Batting coach say about Bumrah's fitness before the Oval Test?
India’s batting coach Sitanshu Kotak, speaking to reporters before the fifth Test, confirmed that Bumrah is “fit.” However, he also mentioned that a final decision on whether the pacer will play hasn’t been taken yet.
“No discussion on Jasprit Bumrah yet, he is fit. But we will take a call on his workload soon,” Kotak said during the pre-match press conference.
This update confirms that Bumrah has recovered physically, but team management is weighing his workload before giving the green light.
How has Jasprit Bumrah performed in the series so far?
Bumrah has been India’s top bowler in the series. He has taken 14 wickets in 3 Tests at an average of 26.00 with two five-wicket hauls. His spells have often come during pressure moments when India needed a breakthrough.
However, India has been cautious about overusing him. Bumrah did not play the second Test in Leeds, following advice from the medical team to manage his back issues.
He returned in the third and fourth Tests, bowling long spells, including 33 overs in Manchester, where he took 2 wickets for 112 runs.
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The big question for India is whether to play Bumrah in back-to-back three Tests now. Selector Ajit Agarkar had earlier stated that Bumrah wouldn’t be rushed into consecutive matches after suffering a stress reaction in his back earlier this year.
If India chooses to rest him, it could open the door for someone like Arshdeep Singh or Akash Deep to step in.
But given the high stakes, with the series outcome resting on this match, India may find it hard to leave out their strike bowler.