IND vs ENG: Will Jasprit Bumrah Play 5th Test At Oval?

IND vs ENG: Despite India trailing 1-2 in the five-match Test series and the opportunity to level the series in the final game at The Oval looming large, the BCCI medical team has reportedly decided to rest Jasprit Bumrah for the fifth Test.

As per a report by ESPNCricinfo, Bumrah-currently the world's No. 1-ranked Test bowler-has been ruled out as a precautionary measure to protect his back and manage his long-term workload.

Bumrah has not bowled since the morning of Day 4 in the fourth Test at Manchester, where he sent down 33 overs-his most in a single innings. With just a three-day break before the final Test, a likely docile Oval pitch, and concerns over his physical limits, the Indian management has opted not to risk their pace spearhead.

The decision doesn't come as a complete surprise. Ahead of the series, head coach Gautam Gambhir and Bumrah had stated that he would be available for only three of the five Tests. The last time Bumrah attempted to push his limits in Australia, it worsened his back injury-a scenario the team is keen to avoid repeating.

However, hope for a last-minute change persisted. Batting coach Sitanshu Kotak had said two days before the final match, "Bumrah is fit now, according to his load. He has bowled one inning in the last match. So that obviously the head coach, our physio and captain will have a discussion and decide. There has been no discussion."

At Old Trafford, Gambhir had confirmed that all the pacers were fit, including Arshdeep Singh and Akash Deep, both of whom had been recovering from injuries. Akash Deep, who took 10 wickets in his debut Test at Edgbaston, is expected to replace Bumrah in the XI. Arshdeep is set to make his Test debut, replacing Anshul Kamboj, while Mohammed Siraj will likely retain his place for a fifth straight Test.

With the series on the line, India is taking no chances with Bumrah's fitness, keeping a long-term view in mind.