Jasprit Bumrah Ruled Out Of India vs England Series Finale Due To Fitness Issues

Jasprit Bumrah has been formally ruled out of the fifth and final Test of the India vs England series at The Oval, with the Indian squad choosing to rest their best pacer as a precautionary option to help control his long-term fitness.

Bumrah Rested to Guard Back, Despite Series-Conclusion Match

Bumrah was told to skip the last Test of the Anderson-Tendulkar Trophy, starting Thursday, by the Indian medical team, according to reports by sources. This move is part of a structured strategy to maintain the fast bowler’s health, especially his recurring back problems that have affected him over the past few years.

With the India-England series at 2-1 in favor of England, the last match is a case of must-win for India to draw the series level. Team management seems more interested in ensuring Bumrah’s long-term availability rather than short-term success. 

Bumrah’s absence was expected in rotation as per expectations

It had been mooted for a long time that Jasprit Bumrah would not feature more than three Tests in the five-match series, particularly with the quick turnaround of only three days between the fourth and fifth Tests. Even though India coach Gautam Gambhir had asserted after the draw at Manchester that Bumrah was going to be fit for The Oval, the medical staff overrode that prospect.

Performance Drop Signals Physical Strain

Bumrah stood out in the India-England series, taking 14 wickets at 26 on average in the three Tests he appeared in, Headingley, Lord’s, and Old Trafford, with two five-wicket hauls.

But signs of exhaustion and physical deterioration were evident in the fourth Test, which was drawn at Old Trafford:

Bowled 33 overs, the most by him in a single Test innings.

Conceded 100+ runs in an innings for the first time.

Significant decline in pace:

42.7% of balls above 140 km/h at Leeds

Dipped to 22.3% at Lord’s

Slumped to a mere 0.5% at Old Trafford

These statistics raised legitimate concern over his physical ability to play consecutive Tests, particularly after his heavy load in the just-concluded Australia series, where he collapsed in the last Test even though he was declared Player of the Series.

Akash Deep Set to Replace Bumrah in India vs England Final

India are likely to recall fast bowler Akash Deep in place of Jasprit Bumrah. Deep had impressed during India’s victory at Edgbaston, where he picked up 10 wickets, including a 6-wicket haul in the second innings, when Bumrah was rested. However, at Lord’s his form suffered with one wicket to his credit.

India have other pace options:

 

Prasidh Krishna

Arshdeep Singh

Possible Bowling Line-up Overhaul

With Shardul Thakur and Anshul Kamboj disappointing in the fourth Test, India could consider overhauling their bowling attack. There is also a chance of playing a three-spinner combination, inducting Kuldeep Yadav to join Ravindra Jadeja and Washington Sundar, both of whom hit centuries at Old Trafford.

Dhruv Jurel to Replace Injured Pant Behind the Stumps

India will also be compelled into another adjustment with Rishabh Pant unavailable for a foot injury sustained while batting in the fourth Test. Dhruv Jurel is likely to don the gloves during what will be a high-stakes game at The Oval.

While Jasprit Bumrah’s availability is a big setback for India in the lead-up to the India vs England series decider, the call serves to reinforce the team’s long-term plan of controlling player workloads. With the series on the table and bowling and wicketkeeping adjustments already confirmed, India’s strength in depth will be put to the severest test at The Oval.

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