Jasprit Bumrah Set To Miss Series-Deciding Oval Test.

The final and decisive fifth Test of the Anderson–Tendulkar Trophy, set to begin at The Oval on July 31, is poised for a major shake-up: Jasprit Bumrah is unlikely to play, with Akash Deep expected to replace him, according to multiple sources.

The-final-and-decisive-fifth-Test-of-the-Anderson-Tendulkar-Trophy-set-to-begin-at-The-Oval

Workload management follows fitness warning

The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) medical team has advised rest for Bumrah, citing back workload concerns and long-term career planning. Despite his critical value to the side, the decision aligns with a pre-series plan—and was not entirely unexpected. ESPNcricinfo reports confirm that Bumrah was slated for only three of the five Tests during the England tour, and he has already featured in Tests 1, 3, and 4

Bumrah’s workload reached a peak in the Manchester Test, where he delivered 33 overs—the most in an innings of his Test career—but ended with figures of 2 for 103. His bowling speed also declined sharply over the series: deliveries above 140 kph dropped from 42.7 % at Headingley to 22.3 % at Lord’s and a mere 0.5 % in Manchester

The-Board-of-Control-for-Cricket-in-India-BCCI-medical-team-has-advised-rest-for-Bumrah-citing-back-workload-concerns-and-long-term-career-planning

No longer merely speculation

Initially, India coach Gautam Gambhir had said no decision had been taken about Bumrah’s selection, and that all bowlers were considered fit. But in the days since the draw at Old Trafford, medical advice and original series workload plans prevailed

Initially, India coach Gautam Gambhir had said no decision had been taken about Bumrah’s-selection,-and-that-all-bowlers-were-considered-fit

Enter Akash Deep: Test‐seasoned replacement

Akash Deep, who astroed India’s heroics in the second Test at Edgbaston, is set to return to the XI. Having taken a ten-wicket haul in that match, he missed the fourth Test due to a groin injury but is now fully fit

An experienced performer in English conditions, he debuted in the 2024 series and has accumulated 25 Test wickets in eight matches, including that standout performance at Edgbaston

Akash-Deep-who-astroed-India’s-heroics-in-the-second-Test-at-Edgbaston-is-set-to-return-to-the

Bowling combination under review

With Bumrah out, India will field Mohammed Siraj and Akash Deep, and likely a third seamer among Arshdeep Singh, Prasidh Krishna, or Shardul Thakur. Meanwhile, spinners Ravindra Jadeja and Washington Sundar are confirmed picks, leaving Kuldeep Yadav out once again despite some calls for his inclusion

Arshdeep Singh poised for historic debut

One of the most exciting subplots: left-arm seamer Arshdeep Singh is reportedly set to make his Test debut at The Oval. Previously sidelined due to a hand injury, he has now recovered and impressed in early training sessions

Arshdeep brings the unique advantage of a left-arm angle, which could trouble England’s largely right-handed batting lineup and assist in creating rough patches for India’s spinners later in the match

If selected, he would replace Anshul Kamboj, who had an underwhelming debut in Manchester, and could tip India’s pace combo toward greater tactical variety

One-of-the-most-exciting-subplots-left-arm-seamer-Arshdeep-Singh-is-reportedly-set-to-make-his-Test-debut-at-The-Oval

Fitness update across the bowling unit

Following the Old Trafford Test, coach Gautam Gambhir confirmed that all pacers, including Akash Deep and Arshdeep Singh, are now fit and available. Bumrah remains the lone member unavailable due to the medical advice

Dilemma for team selectors

India’s management now faces a tactical decision: Should they go with a left-arm variation via Arshdeep, or increase spin batting depth by retaining Kuldeep Yadav? As things stand, their preference appears to lean toward batting depth and seam options over spinning reinforcements. That suggests a combination of Siraj, Deep, and either Arshdeep, Krishna, or Thakur—and spinners Jadeja and Sundar forming the spin pair

Series situation & stakes riding high

India enters the Oval Test trailing England 2–1 after a dramatic draw in Manchester, where they rebounded from being 0 for 2 to bat 143 overs in the second innings—thanks to centuries from Shubman Gill, Washington Sundar, and Ravindra Jadeja

A win at The Oval would square the series, offering India momentum and a chance to salvage pride. For the hosts, victory would secure their first Test series win over India since 2018

What this means for Bumrah and India’s strategy

Workload control: The decision underlines India’s cautious management of Bumrah’s chronic back fitness and preservation for future campaigns.
Bench strength in action: India’s depth is being tested, with Akash Deep and Arshdeep stepping up when needed.
Tactical recalibration: The possibility of a left-arm seamer combined with conventional pace and spin options offers a fresh strategic mix.
Spin vs. seam balance: Irrespective of Bumrah’s absence, India still has top-class spinner options with Jadeja and Sundar—potentially game changing in later phases.