Jasprit Bumrah's Test career in England over

Jasprit Bumrah is set to miss the upcoming fifth and final Test against England, set to take place at The Oval on Thursday, July 31, according to an ESPNcricinfo report. The BCCI’s medical team has advised Bumrah to sit out the final match of the Anderson-Tendulkar Trophy to prioritize his long-term fitness.

The decision to rest Jasprit Bumrah for the final Test is not a surprise. Before the England series began, the Indian selectors and team management had confirmed that Bumrah would play only three of the five matches as part of managing his workload and ensuring he remains fit for future commitments.

Jasprit Bumrah Set to Miss Upcoming Fifth and Final Test Against England

India might have considered playing Jasprit Bumrah in the final Test at The Oval, especially with a chance to level the series. However, there is only a three-day gap between the fourth and fifth Tests. England lead the five-match series 2-1, and the final Test is a must-win for India to draw the series.

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Bumrah’s struggles were evident during the drawn fourth Test in Manchester. He conceded 112 runs in 33 overs - the first time in his career he had given up over 100 runs in a single innings. Although he picked up two wickets, his pace had noticeably dropped.

The 31-year-old bowled over 140kph in 42.7% of his deliveries at Headingley, but that dropped to 22.3% at Lord’s and just 0.5% at Old Trafford. A combination of heavy workload and flat pitches affected his performance.

Jasprit Bumrah Emerges as Joint-Highest Wicket-Taker in the Series

Bumrah is the joint-highest wicket-taker in the series, claiming 14 wickets in three Tests at an average of 26. He registered two five-wicket hauls, including 5 for 83 at Headingley and 5 for 74 at Lord’s. Overall, Bumrah has taken 219 wickets in 48 Tests at an impressive average of 19.82.

India’s decision to rest Bumrah for the final Test at The Oval came just two days after head coach Gautam Gambhir had confirmed his availability. The move has drawn mixed reactions from fans and experts regarding the team’s approach to managing his workload.

Meanwhile, India kept the series alive with a resilient batting effort in the fourth Test at Manchester. After falling behind by 311 runs in the first innings, they responded with a strong second-innings total of 425 for 4, thanks to centuries from Shubman Gill, Washington Sundar, and Ravindra Jadeja.

Akash Deep Likely to Replace Jasprit Bumrah for the Oval Test

Akash Deep is expected to return to India's playing XI for the fifth Test, replacing Jasprit Bumrah. The Bengal pacer impressed in India’s only win of the series at Edgbaston, where he took 10 wickets, but struggled in the following match at Lord’s, managing just one wicket for 122 runs.

India are also considering further changes after a disappointing bowling performance in that match. Shardul Thakur and Anshul Kamboj may make way for Kuldeep Yadav and one of Arshdeep Singh or Prasidh Krishna.

Meanwhile, Rishabh Pant has been ruled out of the final Test after fracturing his toe during the Manchester game. Dhruv Jurel is likely to step in as the wicketkeeper.

Also read: Nat Sciver-Brunt kicks Smriti Mandhana off the throne to become World No.1 ODI batter