IND vs ENG: Will Jasprit Bumrah play today in 5th Test against England?

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India's much-anticipated fifth and final Test against England at The Oval has grabbed headlines not just for the series result, but also for the suspense around the availability of Jasprit Bumrah.

As the encounter starts on Thursday (July 31), the uncertainty over Bumrah's future has peaked and there have been contrasting viewpoints.

Although the Indian media has reported that Bumrah's series is done and dusted, the Indian team refused to admit it. Head coach Gautam Gambhir recently said all of the pacers were fit for the final Test, and on the eve of the match, captain Shubman Gill remained notably non-committal about Bumrah's participation.

"We will take a decision tomorrow, the wicket looks very green. So let's see," Gill said during his pre-match press conference.

Gill also revealed that left-arm pacer Arshdeep Singh was asked to be on standby for a probable debut, further underlining the management's intent to rotate fast bowlers and prevent overexertion.

Will Jasprit Bumrah play Today?

Despite immense anticipation, it has been confirmed that Jasprit Bumrah will not be part of India's playing XI for the crucial Oval Test. The decision aligns with the original plan set by the BCCI medical team and selectors, intended to safeguard Bumrah's long-term fitness, particularly his back.

Bumrah, who is currently the joint-second-highest wicket-taker of the series with 14 wickets, played three of the four Tests so far, having been rested previously due to workload management. The premier pacer's issue with a back injury has been the reason for caution and it is likely that he will remain on the wings for now.

Amid this, Bumrah's availability for the Asia Cup is also in doubt. Former India player Aakash Chopra raised question regarding his fitness, stating there's no certainty for Bumrah to play in the continental tournament.

"Bumrah, once again, availability will be a question. However, if he is available, because if he doesn't play the fifth Test as well, then he should be playing the Asia Cup, is what I am thinking. It will be interesting to see what sort of team is picked, but it cannot be too dissimilar to the one that was picked last time," Chopra was quoted as saying by NDTV.

Who will replace Jasprit Bumrah?

The India pacer is set to be replaced by Akash Deep for the 5th Test. Akash Deep, who played in the 2nd and 3rd Test, is set to return to the side after successfully recovering from a minor injury. India are likely to make several changes for the final encounter at the Oval.