The Oval, London:
Indian pace spearhead Jasprit Bumrah is likely to be rested for the fifth and final Test against England at The Oval starting Thursday, sources have confirmed. The decision is expected to be taken keeping Bumrah’s long-term fitness in mind, with Akash Deep likely to be drafted into the playing XI as his replacement.
Bumrah’s Workload Under Scrutiny
Bumrah, who featured in the first, third and fourth Tests of the ongoing five-match series, has shouldered a heavy workload. He was rested for the second Test at Edgbaston as part of a rotation plan implemented by the BCCI medical team.
“The BCCI medical team has told Bumrah that the decision is in line with safeguarding his back and keeping the long-term in mind,” reported ESPNCricinfo.
Head coach Gautam Gambhir, however, refrained from making any definitive statement on the team composition after the drawn fourth Test in Manchester. “We haven’t had any conversation around the combination for the last Test,” Gambhir said. “No decision has been made on whether Jasprit Bumrah will play or not. Ultimately, whoever plays, they will try and do the job for the country.”
🚨 As per reports, Bumrah will miss the fifth Test against England as part of workload management.
The medical team advised that the move is aimed at protecting his back and ensuring long-term fitness.#JaspritBumrah #ENGvIND pic.twitter.com/k0NQOHInEP
— 100MB (@100MasterBlastr) July 30, 2025
India Stay Alive in the Series
India go into the Oval Test trailing the series 1-2 after pulling off a remarkable draw in Manchester. Chasing a 311-run deficit after England piled up 669 in response to India’s 358, the visitors mounted a gritty fightback.
From 0 for 2 early in their second innings, India batted 143 overs to secure a dramatic stalemate, thanks to centuries from captain Shubman Gill, Washington Sundar and Ravindra Jadeja.
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Bumrah’s Diminishing Impact
Bumrah bowled a mammoth 33 overs in England’s first innings at Old Trafford, returning figures of 2 for 103 – the first time he has conceded over 100 runs in a Test innings. His pace and effectiveness have noticeably dipped as the series has progressed.
The percentage of deliveries bowled over 140kph dropped from 42.7% at Headingley, to 22.3% at Lord’s, and just 0.5% at Old Trafford. Despite this, Bumrah remains India’s joint-highest wicket-taker in the series alongside Mohammed Siraj, with 14 wickets each.
Akash Deep Poised for Opportunity
If Bumrah is rested, Bengal pacer Akash Deep is expected to slot into the playing XI. The 27-year-old made his Test debut earlier this year and has been part of the squad throughout the England series, waiting for his opportunity.
India will be hoping for a strong performance at The Oval to level the series 2-2 and deny England a home victory.
