Jasprit Bumrah's Availability in Doubt for Final Test Against England

Jasprit Bumrah's availability for the final Test against England at The Oval is in question as the BCCI medical team advises rest for the pacer. With India trailing 2-1 in the series, Bumrah's absence could impact the team's chances of leveling the series. The management had previously decided to limit his participation to three Tests to manage his workload effectively. Akash Deep is poised to replace him if he is unable to play. Read on for more details about Bumrah's performance and injury history.

By Narendra Chaudhary Jul 30, 2025, 14:10 IST

Bumrah's Participation Uncertain for The Oval Test

Indian pacer Jasprit Bumrah is not expected to play in the fifth and final Test of the series against England, scheduled for Thursday, July 30, at The Oval in London.

Currently trailing 2-1 in the series, Team India aims to equalize the score after managing a thrilling draw in the fourth Test at Old Trafford, Manchester. However, Bumrah's involvement in this crucial match remains uncertain due to workload management considerations.

Workload Management Strategy for Bumrah

Prior to the series, it was established by the management and selectors that Bumrah would participate in only three out of the five Tests to effectively manage his workload. He has already played in three matches at Headingley, Lord's, and Old Trafford. With the series at stake, Bumrah's presence in the Oval Test is deemed critical as India seeks to level the series at 2-2.

Medical Advice for Rest

In light of the uncertainty surrounding his participation, the BCCI medical team has reportedly recommended that Bumrah take a break to safeguard his back and prioritize long-term fitness.

Despite the importance of the series, the management has opted to adhere to their initial plan of limiting Bumrah to three matches to prevent any risk of injury. This decision follows a back injury he sustained during the Sydney Test against Australia in January.

Bumrah's Performance and Injury History

Bumrah's back injury arose after he played all five matches in the demanding Test series against Australia for the Border-Gavaskar Trophy, which led to a three-month hiatus before he returned to competitive cricket in IPL 2025. In that series, he took 32 wickets across nine innings and was named Player of the Series.

In the current Test series against England, Bumrah has claimed 14 wickets, including two five-wicket hauls, with an average of 26.00 and an economy rate of 3.04 over five innings. Notably, during the first innings of the Manchester Test, he bowled 33 overs, taking two wickets while conceding 112 runs.

Fitness Update and Replacement

Despite concerns regarding his fitness after bowling 33 overs and experiencing an ankle twist, Team India's batting coach Sitanshu Kotak confirmed that Bumrah is 'fit.' He mentioned that a decision regarding Bumrah's participation would be made by the management soon.

In the event that Bumrah does not play, Akash Deep is expected to step in for him in the playing XI for the decisive Test at The Oval. Akash had missed the Manchester Test due to a groin injury sustained during the Lord's Test but has reportedly regained his fitness.