IND vs ENG: Big Blow for India! Jasprit Bumrah Ruled Out of Final Test vs England

India will go into the final Test of the Anderson-Tendulkar Trophy without their bowling spearhead Jasprit Bumrah. According to a report by ESPNcricinfo, the BCCI medical team has advised Bumrah to skip the fifth Test at The Oval to manage his workload and avoid long-term injury.

Despite being India’s top wicket-taker in the series, Bumrah will sit out to protect his back. The move, while tough, was always part of the original plan. Head coach Gautam Gambhir and Bumrah had already indicated before the series that the pacer wouldn’t play all five Tests.

There were some talks of him pushing for the final game, especially with India trailing 1-2 and a chance to level the series at stake. But the three-day break after the fourth Test and the nature of the Oval pitch helped seal the decision.

Batting coach Sitanshu Kotak had hinted two days ago that Bumrah’s availability would be a team call. But with Bumrah bowling just one innings in Manchester and having already put in heavy spells in the previous matches, the call was made to rest him.

Akash Deep Set For Return, Arshdeep To Debut

India are expected to bring back Akash Deep, who had missed the previous Test due to a groin injury. The pacer had impressed in the Edgbaston Test, bagging 10 wickets. A fully fit Akash is now likely to lead the pace attack.

Meanwhile, Arshdeep Singh is all set to make his Test debut. The left-arm seamer bowled full tilt in the nets and will slot into the XI in place of Anshul Kamboj.

Mohammed Siraj, who has quietly featured in every Test of the series so far, will continue to shoulder the workload as the most experienced quick in Bumrah’s absence.

India will take on England in the final Test at The Oval from Thursday.