Will Jasprit Bumrah Miss the Decisive Test Against England? Akash Deep Set to Step In!
Bumrah's Absence in the Fifth Test
London: Jasprit Bumrah, India's leading fast bowler, is expected to sit out the crucial fifth Test against England, commencing Thursday at The Oval, due to workload management. Reports suggest that Akash Deep is likely to take his place.
The 31-year-old, currently ranked as the world's top pacer, struggled during the drawn fourth Test at Old Trafford, where he was unable to maintain his usual pace and failed to secure wickets.
According to reports from ESPNCricinfo, the BCCI medical team advised Bumrah that this decision is aimed at protecting his back and considering his long-term health.
Akash Deep, who missed the previous Test due to a minor groin injury, is anticipated to step in for Bumrah in the playing XI.
Previously, head coach Gautam Gambhir mentioned that no final decisions had been made regarding the team lineup, asserting that all bowlers, including Bumrah, were fit.
Gambhir stated, "We haven’t discussed the combination for the last Test yet. No decision has been made about Jasprit Bumrah's participation. Ultimately, whoever plays will strive to perform for the country."
In the fourth Test, England amassed a staggering 669 runs in response to India's 358, establishing a 311-run lead in the first innings.
Nevertheless, India mounted an impressive comeback from a precarious position of 0 for 2, batting for 143 overs in their second innings, with centuries from captain Shubman Gill, Washington Sundar, and Ravindra Jadeja, resulting in a dramatic draw that keeps them in the five-match series, now trailing 1-2.
Bumrah bowled a total of 33 overs in the first innings of the fourth Test, marking the highest number of overs he has bowled in a single innings, yet he recorded figures of 2 for 103, marking the first instance he conceded over 100 runs in a Test innings.
His ability to bowl deliveries exceeding 140kph significantly declined throughout the series, dropping from 42.7% at Headingley to just 0.5% at Old Trafford.
Despite his recent struggles, Bumrah remains tied as India's leading wicket-taker in the series, alongside Mohammed Siraj, with a total of 14 wickets.