Credit: BCCI
With the highly-anticipated five-match Test series between England and India for the Anderson-Tendulkar Trophy currently placed 2-1 in favour of the hosts, it has all come down to the fifth and final Test, which is set to be played from July 31 to August 4 at the Kia Oval in London. However, the Ben Stokes-led England will come high on confidence with the series already in their favour, India too will be hoping to settle for a series draw as they set their eyes on a win at The Oval.
As the two teams take the field from Thursday onwards for the fifth Test, the Men in Blue will have a daunting task as they look to play their best possible XI. It is to be noted that the side is without vice-captain and star wicketkeeper-batter Rishabh Pant, who has been ruled out with a fractured foot. Furthermore, Nitish Kumar Reddy was also ruled out with a knee injury and the team management is sweating on the workload management of star pacer Jasprit Bumrah.
Jasprit Bumrah ruled out of The Oval Test vs England: Reports
While Bumrah is fit, as confirmed by batting coach Sitanshu Kotak in the pre-match press conference, it was also added that a decision on his participation will be taken on the day of the fifth Test. "Bumrah is fit now, according to his load. He has bowled one inning in the last match. So that obviously the head coach, our physio and captain will have a discussion and decide. There has been no discussion," Kotak said two days before the game.
But recent reports have come contrary to Kotak’s statement. A report by ESPNcricinfo has stated that Bumrah will miss the fifth Test to protect his back, keeping the long-term prospects in mind. The decision comes after consultation with the BCCI medical team, who has been keeping a record of Bumrah’s workload. Furthermore, reports have also added that fit again Akash Deep is set to replace him in the playing XI.
India’s updated squad for fifth Test
Shubman Gill (C), Yashasvi Jaiswal, KL Rahul, Sai Sudharsan, Abhimanyu Easwaran, Karun Nair, Ravindra Jadeja, Dhruv Jurel (WK), Washington Sundar, Shardul Thakur, Jasprit Bumrah, Mohd. Siraj, Prasidh Krishna, Akash Deep, Kuldeep Yadav, Anshul Kamboj, Arshdeep Singh, N Jagadeesan (WK).
