India vs England 5th Test: Bumrah To Return, Rahul Unlikely To Be Available - Report

Team India has got mixed news ahead of the fifth and final Test against England, scheduled to start on March 7 in Dharamsala as ace pacer is likely to make his return, but senior batter in unlikley to be available for the fourth match in a row.

According a report from CricBuzz, rested Jasprit Bumrah will be back in the squad for the Dharasala Test, but injured KL Rahul's availability is stil unclear despite the batter being 90 percent fit ahead of the third Test.

Bumrah, who was expected to rested for the third Test, finally got his break in the fourth Test with Akash Deep making his debut in place of the Indian pace spearhead. There is a chance Akash will keep his place despite Bumrah's return for the fifth Test.

Mohammed Siraj, who was rested from the second Test, may be given another break as the team management ponder on resting a batter and a bowler, according to the report. With Dharamsala wickets known for assisting pace, there is also a chance that one of the spinner may be given a break.

Rahul, meanwhile, has not fully recovered, prompting the BCCI and the National Cricket Academy (NCA) to reassess his situation. He has reportedly been sent to London to see a specialist.

A BCCI release on Rahul ahead of the fourth Test had stated, "KL Rahul is ruled out of the 4th Test. His participation in the final Test match in Dharamsala is subject to fitness."

The 31-year-old, who leads Lucknow Super Giants, however, is certain to be fit and available for the start of the upcoming Indian Premier League (IPL) 2024. His performance in the league is also going to play a factor in his spot for the T20 World Cup 2024.

Coming back to the fifth Test, Rahul's void is unlikely to hurt India, who have already won the series 3-1 with the youngsters like Yashaswi Jaiswal, Sarfaraz Khan, Dhruv Jurel and Shubman Gill stepping up.

Rajat Patidar may have been the guy, who would have made way for Rahul, but with the senior batter's availability unclear, the Madhya Pradesh batter may get another chance. However, Devdutt Padikkal could also be tried in place of Patidar.

In terms of the bowling attack, India may look to add Axar Patel back into the mix, giving Ravindra Jadeja a break, but are likely to field three spinners and two pacers with Siraj likely making way for the returning Bumrah.

The Indian players, who left the camp on Tuesday (February 27), have been asked to assemble in Chandigarh on March 2 before departing to Dharamsala on March 3 via a chartered flight.