Jasprit Bumrah has been India’s standout performer with the ball in the ongoing series. The right-arm seamer has claimed 14 wickets across three matches, including two five-wicket hauls. His average of 26.00 and economy rate of 3.04 underline his impact on conditions that have generally favoured batting
Jasprit Bumrah (Pic: AFP/BCCI)
India’s batting coach Sitanshu Kotak confirmed on Tuesday that premier fast bowler Jasprit Bumrah is fully fit but added that no decision has yet been made regarding his participation in the fifth and final Test of the Anderson-Tendulkar Trophy against England, set to begin on July 31 at The Oval.
Speaking at a pre-match press conference, Kotak said, “No discussion on Jasprit Bumrah playing. Bumrah is fit now. According to his load, he has bowled one inning in the last match. So, obviously head coach, our physio and captain, will have a discussion and decide.”
Bumrah has been India’s standout performer with the ball in the ongoing series. The right-arm seamer has claimed 14 wickets across three matches, including two five-wicket hauls. His average of 26.00 and economy rate of 3.04 underline his impact on conditions that have generally favoured batting.
Despite his importance to the team, Bumrah’s workload has been closely monitored. During the squad announcement for the England tour, chief selector Ajit Agarkar revealed that Bumrah would not be playing back-to-back Tests due to ongoing workload management. The approach follows medical advice after Bumrah suffered a stress reaction in his back during the fifth Test against Australia in Sydney earlier this year.
In the current five-match Test series, Bumrah featured in the first, third, and fourth Tests, sitting out the second match to allow recovery. India has had mixed fortunes in his presence, losing two matches and securing a crucial draw in the third Test at Lord’s.
In the most recent fixture at Old Trafford in Manchester, Bumrah returned to action and bowled a marathon spell, finishing with figures of 2 for 112 in 33 overs. While India failed to secure a victory, their dogged performance in the fourth Test ensured they remained in contention going into the final game of the series.
With the series delicately poised at 2-1 in England’s favour, India will be aiming to level the contest at The Oval. The home side outbowled India in the first and third Tests at Headingley and Lord’s, respectively, but the visitors showed nerves of steel to claw back into the series with a commendable effort in Manchester.
As the teams gear up for the decider in London, all eyes will be on whether India risk deploying Bumrah in back-to-back games or opt to preserve him, keeping long-term fitness in mind.
(With ANI inputs)
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