India likely to make key change ahead of final Test against England as Bumrah set to be rested

Indian fast bowler Jasprit Bumrah is likely to be rested for the final Test of the Anderson-Tendulkar Trophy against England, starting Thursday at The Oval, as part of workload management plans aimed at preserving his long-term fitness.

The decision was made by the BCCI medical team in consultation with the team management and selectors. They opted to rest Bumrah to manage his workload and ensure his long-term fitness, especially his back.

The team had planned from the start that Bumrah would only play three of the five Tests on this tour. He played the first match at Headingley, was rested for the second in Edgbaston, and returned for the third and fourth Tests at Lord’s and Old Trafford.

Although India are aiming to level the series 2-2, they have decided not to change their original plan and will proceed without Bumrah. During the fourth Test in Manchester, Bumrah bowled 33 overs—the most he has bowled in a single innings this series—and conceded over 100 runs, a first in his career. His pace also dropped on the slow Old Trafford pitch, and he hasn’t bowled since the fourth morning.

Despite this, Bumrah ends the series as India’s joint second-highest wicket-taker with 14 wickets, alongside Mohammed Siraj.

Head coach Gautam Gambhir had earlier said Bumrah was available for selection, but the team has decided to give him rest.

Akash Deep, who impressed during a training session on Tuesday, is expected to replace him. Akash had missed the fourth Test due to a groin issue but looked in good rhythm in the nets. He had performed well in the second Test at Edgbaston, taking 10 wickets, including a best of 6 for 99. However, he struggled at Lord’s and picked up just one wicket.

India’s pace department is facing some challenges. Siraj has played all four Tests and bowled 139 overs so far, raising concerns about his workload. Prasidh Krishna, Shardul Thakur, and Anshul Kamboj haven’t been very effective, while Arshdeep Singh, who was injured before the fourth Test, now seems fully fit and could earn his maiden call.

With Rishabh Pant unavailable, Dhruv Jurel will continue as wicketkeeper. His attacking batting gives India options, but his inexperience might lead the team to keep Shardul in the playing XI for batting depth. This could again keep spinner Kuldeep Yadav out.

India might go with the spin pair of Ravindra Jadeja and Washington Sundar, depending on the pitch and weather. The Oval’s surface had green patches two days before the match, and recent domestic games there have favoured seam bowlers. In five County Championship matches this season, 131 out of 150 wickets have been taken by fast bowlers.

The last match at The Oval saw Surrey score a record 820 for 9 declared, although it was played with Kookaburra balls as part of the ECB’s trial.