Jasprit Bumrah out of Oval Test: BCCI's medical team took the decision keeping in mind the workload

Jasprit Bumrah has been rested from the fifth Test match against England at the Oval due to back problem. Akash Deep has been included in the Indian team in his place. This decision has been taken by the medical team of the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) keeping in mind Bumrah's fitness.

Media reports have claimed that in view of the chance to level the series, it was first decided to play Bumrah in the last Test, but the medical team decided to rest him considering his fitness.

The fifth and final Test of the Anderson-Tendulkar Trophy between India and England will be played at the Oval from July 31. India is trailing 1-2 in the series and wants to level the series by winning the Oval Test. But world number-1 bowler Jasprit Bumrah will not be played in this match to avoid back injury. In his place, Akashdeep, who has recovered from injury, will join the team.

Bumrah will play only 3 matches

Even before the series started, the BCCI medical team, Bumrah, the Indian team management and the selectors had decided that he would play only three of the five Tests on the England tour. Bumrah played the first Test at Headingley, did not play the second Test at Edgbaston (which India won), and then played the last two Tests at Lord's and Old Trafford.

Why was this decision taken?

It was earlier decided to change the plan and play him in the last Test as well. Especially when there is a chance to level the series 2-2. But due to the slow and flat pitch of the Oval, as well as Bumrah's heavy workload in the previous Test, it was decided to give him rest.

Bumrah bowled 33 overs at Old Trafford, the most in a single innings in his career and for the first time more than 100 runs were scored off his balls.

His speed was also affected during the series. At Headingley, 42.7% of his balls were above 140 kmph, which dropped to 22.3% at Lord's and only 0.5% at Old Trafford.

In Australia, Bumrah tried to bowl too much, which aggravated his back injury. Given the flat pitch of the Oval and workload management, the BCCI decided not to take the risk.

Bumrah's performance

Bumrah is the second most successful bowler in this series with 14 wickets jointly with Mohammed Siraj.

Akashdeep's return and Arshdeep Singh can make debut

Akashdeep: Could not play in the fourth Test due to injury, but now he is fully fit. He took 10 wickets in the Edgbaston Test and proved to be a hero for India. He will replace Bumrah.

Arshdeep Singh: He has also recovered from injury and is likely to get a Test cap in this match. He will replace Anshul Kamboj.