Jasprit Bumrah Set To Miss Deciding Final Test Against England As Akash Deep Most Likely To Replace Him

India's pacer Jasprit Bumrah is set to miss the final Test against England at The Oval which is likely to determine the series result. Bumrah has featured in three of the four Tests to date and has left his mark with the ball, but signs of wear and tear and issues regarding his fitness in the long run have prompted this measured step. The Board of Control for Cricket in India have apparently resolved to give him a break after he bowled a heavy load in the fourth Test in which he bowled 33 overs in the first innings alone. It was his highest ever bowling in a single innings and left him visibly exhausted.

Bumrah's absence would be a huge setback for India but sources indicate that Akash Deep is most likely to take his place in the playing eleven. Sources believe that this move is a part of a plan to handle Bumrah's workload particularly considering his past with back injuries. The medical team associated with BCCI has reportedly told Bumrah that skipping this game is the right call to safeguard his future and prevent any long-term damage. Even before the series began BCCI had clearly indicated that Bumrah would not be playing all five matches and his workload would be closely managed.

India captain Gautam Gambhir had previously stated that no last-minute decision had been taken on the playing combination for the fifth Test. According to him, all the bowlers were fit and available but the team management would take a call depending on what was in the best interest of the team. Bumrah had not featured in the second Test at Edgbaston either and had rested at that point as well. While there was talk of him returning for the fifth game the move now seems to be in the direction of resting him once more.

Despite sitting out a single game Bumrah remains joint highest wicket-taker for India in the series with Mohammed Siraj. Both have taken 14 wickets each. However Bumrah's pace has declined considerably throughout the series. Early in the tour in Headingley he was delivering over 40 percent of his deliveries at over 140 kilometers per hour. However, by the time he was playing at Old Trafford that figure had come down to less than 1 percent. This steep dip in pace is thought to be one of the primary reasons for him being rested.

In the fourth Test Bumrah's bowling figures were not impressive as he leaked 103 runs and could only claim 2 wickets. It was his first Test match where he conceded more than 100 runs in one innings. This indicates how much he was under pressure in that match and it could have affected his overall performance negatively. Though he was not at his best in that match his experience and effort have been very important to India all through the series.

The fourth Test too was dramatic in several ways. England had taken charge after they had scored 669 in reply to India's first innings aggregate of 358. But the Indian team displayed exceptional character and strength of will as they staged a fightback from a precarious position. They were 0 for 2 at some point but went on to bat for 143 overs in their second innings. Captain Shubman Gill Washington Sundar and Ravindra Jadeja, all of whom scored centuries, contributed to this. This was a remarkable fightback which resulted in a draw and kept India alive in the five-match series which remains at 2-1 in England's favor.

The last Test at The Oval will be a tight game and the team must perform their best to square the series. Though Bumrah's experience and talent will be missed, it is also a good chance for Akash Deep to perform in front of a big crowd. Akash Deep has been patiently waiting for his opportunity and this might be the turning point of his career. Selectors and the management will be keeping their fingers crossed that he is able to replace Bumrah and provide a good show.

England, on the other hand, would want to seal the series by winning at home. Their batting in the fourth Test was commanding but their bowlers were not able to send the Indian team back in the second innings. Ben Stokes has demonstrated belief in the batting prowess of the team and believes that players like Jacob Bethell can perform when called upon. The English team is aware that India would attack them hard and they would have to be ready for another battle.

India's approach to the final game will be closely observed and there are still doubts regarding the selection of teams. Kuldeep Yadav who has been part of the squad has not played in the series so far and it remains to be seen if he will get a chance in this game. Shubman Gill made a comment earlier that suggested there might not be any major surprises in the playing eleven and the team would mostly stick to what has worked so far.

With so much hanging in the balance of the final Test both sides will be under pressure to deliver. For India the loss of Jasprit Bumrah is a major challenge but it is a step that needs to be taken to preserve one of their most precious assets. Injuries and keeping players going are every bit as important as winning games. Supporters will be looking for the rest of the team to step up and provide a performance to remember at The Oval.