Jasprit Bumrah Likely To Miss Oval Test Against England, Akash Deep May Replace Him
In a major development ahead of the series-deciding fifth Test match, Jasprit Bumrah is likely to miss the Oval Test against England, raising questions about India’s bowling strategy for the final encounter. The Test, scheduled to begin this Thursday at The Oval in London, could witness fast bowler Akash Deep stepping into the playing XI in Bumrah’s absence, according to sources close to the team management.
Why Bumrah May Be Rested
Jasprit Bumrah, India's premier fast bowler, has already featured in the first, third, and fourth Tests of the five-match series. While he was rested for the second Test in Edgbaston, the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) had earlier hinted that Bumrah would not participate in all five Tests due to workload management and concerns over his recurring back issues.
According to an ESPNCricinfo report, the BCCI’s medical team advised resting Bumrah with long-term fitness in mind.
“The decision is in line with safeguarding his back and keeping the long-term in mind,” the report stated.
This update comes despite head coach Gautam Gambhir earlier declaring that all players were fit and no firm decision had been made about team composition.
“We haven’t had any conversation around the combination for the last Test,” Gambhir said after the Manchester Test. “No decision has been made on whether Jasprit Bumrah will play or not.”
Akash Deep Tipped As Replacement
Should Bumrah sit out, Akash Deep, the promising pacer from Bengal, is expected to make his second Test appearance. Akash made his debut earlier in the year and impressed with his ability to swing the ball both ways while maintaining control under pressure. His inclusion would bring a fresh dynamic to the Indian bowling attack, especially if the pitch offers movement early on.
Bumrah’s Workload and Performance Dip
Bumrah has been India’s pace spearhead, but his workload has been under scrutiny. In the fourth Test at Old Trafford, Bumrah bowled 33 overs in England’s first innings alone, his highest in a single innings, and returned figures of 2 for 103 — his most expensive spell in Test cricket to date.
Moreover, data reveals a significant drop in Bumrah’s pace and effectiveness:
At Headingley, 42.7% of his deliveries were over 140 km/h.
At Lord’s, that figure dropped to 22.3%.
At Old Trafford, only 0.5% of his deliveries crossed 140 km/h.
Despite the dip, Bumrah remains India’s joint-highest wicket-taker in the series with 14 wickets, alongside Mohammed Siraj. This highlights both his continued threat and the physical toll the long series has taken on him.
India’s Fightback Keeps Series Alive
The fourth Test saw England score a daunting 669 in reply to India’s 358, taking a commanding 311-run lead in the first innings. However, India staged a heroic second-innings comeback after slipping to 0 for 2, eventually batting for 143 overs.
Centuries from Shubman Gill, Washington Sundar, and Ravindra Jadeja led India to an improbable draw and kept the series alive. India trails 1-2 heading into the final Test, and the absence of Bumrah could tilt the balance, unless the replacement bowler steps up with immediate impact.
Strategic Implications for the Final Test
With Bumrah possibly unavailable, the Indian team management faces critical decisions:
Should they bank on Akash Deep’s raw pace and domestic form, or opt for a more experienced backup?
Will they play an additional spinner, given Jadeja’s all-round performance?
Can Siraj and Mukesh Kumar shoulder the pace burden without Bumrah?
The Oval pitch traditionally offers something for everyone — swing early on, bounce for seamers, and turn as the match progresses — making team composition even more crucial.
Long-Term Thinking for India
Resting Bumrah, if confirmed, reflects a long-term strategy rather than a reactive measure. With major tournaments like the 2025 World Test Championship Final and upcoming overseas tours, the BCCI and team management are clearly focused on preserving Bumrah’s fitness for pivotal assignments ahead.
Moreover, developing a deeper fast-bowling bench will serve India well. With names like Akash Deep, Mukesh Kumar, and Prasidh Krishna in the mix, this transition phase allows future leaders of India’s pace battery to gain valuable exposure at the highest level.
Final Thoughts
As the news that Jasprit Bumrah is likely to miss the Oval Test circulates, fans and experts await official confirmation. While his absence would be a blow to India’s hopes of leveling the series, it opens the door for rising talents like Akash Deep to shine on the biggest stage.
The fifth Test promises to be a thrilling finish to a hard-fought series. Whether Bumrah plays or not, the Indian team will need to bring its A-game — with both bat and ball — to challenge England and aim for a historic comeback.
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