India’s top fast bowler Jasprit Bumrah rested for 5th Test against England, which starts Thursday at The Oval. This move is part of the BCCI medical team’s decision to protect his back and manage his long-term workload. According to ESPNcricinfo, Bumrah was informed that this step was important for his fitness ahead of future tournaments.
The decision that Jasprit Bumrah rested for 5th Test was made in agreement with the team management, selectors, and Bumrah himself. It was already decided before the tour that he would play only three of the five Tests. He played the first match at Headingley, skipped the second Test at Edgbaston, and returned for the third at Lord’s and the fourth at Old Trafford.
While India may have considered changing this plan to chase a series-levelling win, Bumrah’s performance at Old Trafford showed signs of fatigue. He didn’t bowl after the fourth morning and delivered 33 overs, his most in a single innings. That was also the first time he conceded over 100 runs in a Test innings. Given this, it was clear why Jasprit Bumrah rested for 5th Test was the safer choice.
His pace also dropped as the series went on. In the first Test, 42.7% of his deliveries were above 140kph. This dropped to 22.3% in the third and just 0.5% at Old Trafford. Even with the drop in pace, Bumrah has taken 14 wickets, making him the joint second-highest wicket-taker in the series, tied with Mohammed Siraj.
READ MORE:
Akash Deep Set to Replace Bumrah at The Oval
With Jasprit Bumrah rested for 5th Test, the likely replacement is Akash Deep, who impressed at training on Tuesday. He missed the fourth Test due to a groin injury but bowled with good pace and seam on green practice pitches.
Akash Deep was India’s star performer in the second Test at Edgbaston, taking ten wickets, including a personal best of 6 for 99 in England’s second innings. That performance came on a flat pitch, proving his skill. However, he struggled in the third Test at Lord’s, managing just one wicket and lacking control from the Pavilion End.
Still, with Jasprit Bumrah rested for 5th Test, Akash Deep gets another shot in conditions that could suit him better. The Oval pitch, as seen two days before the match, had green patches, ideal for seamers. India hopes Akash can regain his Edgbaston form.
The team management, especially Shubman Gill and Gautam Gambhir, now need to finalize the rest of the pace attack. Apart from Akash Deep and Siraj, the third seamer could be Prasidh Krishna or Arshdeep Singh. Arshdeep is fully recovered from a hand injury he picked up before the fourth Test and bowled comfortably in the nets.
With Jasprit Bumrah rested for 5th Test, Mohammed Siraj becomes the leader of the fast-bowling unit. He has bowled 139 overs in the series so far — more than any other Indian pacer, and has been crucial for the team. India will need to manage his workload carefully too.
Jurel to Keep Wickets; Team Balance Under the Scanner
The changes don’t stop with the pace attack. With Jasprit Bumrah rested for 5th Test, India will also be without Rishabh Pant, who is out due to a foot injury. Dhruv Jurel will take over as wicketkeeper and will bat in the middle order. Though talented, Jurel is still inexperienced in English conditions.
His inexperience might lead India to include Shardul Thakur for extra batting support. If that happens, Kuldeep Yadav may once again be left out. Despite his form, India may feel he isn’t required given the pitch conditions and overcast forecast.
Keeping Jasprit Bumrah rested for 5th Test in mind, India might go with the spin pair of Ravindra Jadeja and Washington Sundar, both of whom offer balance. The Oval pitch has helped seamers this season, 131 out of 150 wickets taken were by fast bowlers. That stat supports India’s decision to rest Bumrah and field a stronger pace-heavy attack.
The recent county game at The Oval, where Surrey made 820 for 9 declared, was played with Kookaburra balls as part of an ECB experiment. That match doesn’t reflect usual conditions and won’t change India’s approach much.
In the end, with Jasprit Bumrah rested for 5th Test, India’s chances rest on young pacers stepping up and batters supporting Jurel in his big moment. The final match at The Oval offers a chance to level the series 2-2, and India hopes the changes work in their favor.
SEE MORE:
