Indian pace spearhead Jasprit Bumrah will not feature in the must-win fifth and final Test of the Anderson-Tendulkar Trophy against England, set to begin on July 31 at The Oval in London, ESPNCricinfo reported.
According to the report, Bumrah has been asked by the BCCI medical team not to play, keeping his workload in mind. He has claimed 14 wickets in three matches so far in this series.
Despite India being down 1-2 in the five-match series, the team management and selectors have decided to go ahead with the original plan, as per which Bumrah will take part in only three of the five matches.
Bumrah appeared in the first Test at Headingley, sat out in the second Test at Edgbaston, where India emerged victorious, and then played back-to-back Tests at Lord’s and Old Trafford.
As a result, the BCCI Medical team has informed the star fast bowler that he should consider their suggestion as it is in line with safeguarding his back and keeping the long-term in mind.
“The development is not entirely a surprise, considering the medical team, in coordination with Bumrah, the Indian team management, and the selectors had decided he would play only three of the five Tests during the England tour. Bumrah played in the first Test at Headingley, sat out in the second Test at Edgbaston, which India won, and played in the following two Tests at Lord’s and last week at Old Trafford,” the report said.
With the series at stake, it was expected that the right-arm quick could play the final match. Moreover, following the penultimate Test in Manchester, India head coach Gautam Gambhir had added fuel to this speculation by saying that Bumrah was available for the fifth Test.
But with Bumrah forced to bowl on slowish, flat surfaces in the series, his workload has increased. At Old Trafford, he delivered 33 overs and claimed two wickets for 100 runs. Hence, the BCCI medical team felt that resting him would help in the long run.
In the absence of Bumrah, Mohammed Siraj -- the only fast bowler to play all the Tests -- will once again lead the pace attack.
Akash Deep, who took 10 wickets in the second Test, has recovered from his groin injury and will reportedly take Bumrah’s place in the playing XI. Arshdeep Singh, who is yet to make his Testy debut, is likely to replace Anshul Kamboj in the lineup.
