Jasprit Bumrah rested for fifth England Test; Star pacer named replacement

India's star Jasprit Bumrah has been rested for the 5th Test vs England due to workload concerns. Star pacer is set to replace him while India trail the series 2–1.

Bumrah has struggled in the ongoing Manchester test. (Image Credit: BCCI on X)

India will be without their premier fast bowler, Jasprit Bumrah, for the fifth and final Test against England at The Oval. The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) medical team has advised Bumrah to sit out the decider due to workload management and fitness concerns. This call is in line with the team’s long-standing rotation plan for Bumrah, who was expected to feature in only three of the five Tests on the tour.

The decision, while not entirely unexpected, comes as a significant blow for India as they attempt to level the series, currently trailing 1-2. Bumrah bowled an exhausting 33 overs during the fourth Test at Old Trafford, his most in a single innings in years, and struggled with pace and rhythm. Medical staff were reportedly concerned with signs of fatigue, especially with a short turnaround before the final match.

Replacing Bumrah is Bengal pacer Akash Deep, who had earlier impressed with a ten-wicket haul at Edgbaston. He was ruled out of the fourth Test due to a groin niggle but is now fully fit and ready. Akash will join Mohammed Siraj, who has featured in all four Tests so far, and Arshdeep Singh, who is set to make his Test debut after replacing Anshul Kamboj in the squad.

Arshdeep’s inclusion adds a left-arm option to the pace attack. While he is yet to play a Test, his control and ability to swing the ball both ways could be valuable on a typically flat Oval surface. His recent recovery from a hand injury makes this a well-timed opportunity.

India’s bowling unit will have to compensate for Bumrah’s absence by sharing the load effectively. Siraj, the most experienced in the current lineup, will be key. The team might also consider adding a second spinner, Kuldeep Yadav’s name has been floated, to exploit any wear on the surface as the game progresses.

The fifth Test begins July 31. With the series on the line, all eyes will be on how India responds to this setback, whether the new-look bowling attack can deliver under pressure, and whether the team can end the tour on level terms.

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