Jasprit Bumrah will be absent from the fifth Test at the Oval because of back issues, with Akash Deep taking his place. This decision emphasizes the importance of Bumrah’s long-term health.
Despite trailing 1-2 and the appealing opportunity to equalize the series by securing victory in the fifth and final Test at the Oval, the BCCI medical team has reportedly made the difficult decision to rest Jasprit Bumrah for the Oval Test. As per a report from ESPNCricinfo, Bumrah, who holds the title of the World’s No-1 ranked bowler, will not participate in the fifth Test of the Anderson-Tendulkar Trophy in order to safeguard his back, considering the long-term implications. A fit-again Akash Deep is poised to take Bumrah’s place in India’s XI.
Prior to the commencement of the series, the management of the Indian team, under the leadership of head coach Gautam Gambhir abd Bumrah himself, had declared that he would participate in only three out of the five Tests, as his physical condition would not permit him to engage in more. The previous occasion when Bumrah attempted to push his physical limits in Australia resulted in a worsening of his back injury, which poses a risk of potentially shortening his career.
In spite of these circumstances, there were whispers about Burah making one last effort at the Oval to assist India in levelling the series. After all, he has not bowled since the morning of Day 4 during the fourth Test inn Manchester. However, it became evident that the combination of merely a three-day hiatus, a potentially unresponsive Oval pitch, and considerations regarding workload management led India to decide against risking Bumrah.
This statement follows hours after batting coach Sitanshu Kotak did not dismiss the possibility of Jasprit Bumrah participating in the series decider. “Bumrah is currently fit, based on his workload. He has bowled one inning in the previous match. Therefore, the head coach, our physiotherapist, and the captain will engage in a discussion to make a decision. No discussions have taken place yet,” Kotak remarked two days prior to the match.
At Old Trafford, Gambhir also confirmed that all of his fast bowlers were fit, indicating that Arshdeep Singh and Akash Deep have both recovered from their injuries.
Bumrah, who is India’s leading wicket-taker in the series thus far, bowled 33 overs – his highest in a single innings – Manchester. This performance followed his exceptional bowling efforts Leeds and Lord’s.
Can Akash Deep Replace Bumrah?
Akash Deep, who was unable to participate in the fourth Test because of a groin injury, is poised to make his return to the playing XI after recovering his fitness.
Akash Deep emerged as India’s standout bowler in Edgbaston, where he took 10 wickets.
