India's star fast bowler
jasprit bumrah is set to be rested from the crucial fifth and final Test match against England. With the
indian team needing a win in this match to level the series, the
bcci medical team has advised that
bumrah should not be used. This decision has been taken considering the workload of
bumrah, who has recovered from injury. In his place, young fast bowler
akash Deep, who did not play the last match due to injury, will return to the team. Before the start of this series, the team management had said that
bumrah would play only three of the five matches of the
england Test series. As per the plan,
bumrah, who played in the first and third Tests, was rested for the second Test. He also participated in the fourth Test. During the fourth Test in Manchester,
bumrah bowled 33 overs.
It was also reported that he had a minor sprain in his ankle. Considering his long cricketing career, this rest has been given to prevent a recurrence of the back injury. Although Bumrah's absence was seen as a major setback for the team, the arrival of 28-year-old
akash Deep has given new hope. It is noteworthy that
akash Deep, who replaced
bumrah in the second Test at Edgbaston, was a key factor in India's
victory in that match by taking 10 wickets. However, he could not play in the fourth match due to a groin injury. He has now returned to the team with full fitness. He is good at reverse swinging with the old ball like Mohammed Shami. And he also swings a lot with the new ball. So, his presence in the playing eleven will give more confidence to the
indian team.
Mohammad Siraj is the only fast bowler who has played in all four matches so far in this series. He, too, seemed to suffer from a muscle strain during the Manchester Test. However, it is almost certain that he will play in the fifth Test as well. If Siraj is rested, left-arm fast bowler Arshdeep Singh may get a chance to make his Test debut. With
india currently trailing 1-2 in the series, they are expected to fight hard to win this final match at the Oval and level the series.