TimesofIndia.com in LONDON: Will India’s premier pacer Jasprit Bumrah feature in the fifth and final Test against England at The Oval on Thursday? That was one of the first questions posed to Indian skipper Shubman Gill during the pre-match press conference ahead of the series finale. The fourth Test in Manchester ended in a draw, with England continuing to lead the five-match series 2-1.“We will take a decision tomorrow,” Gill told reporters when asked about Bumrah’s availability.“Wicket looks very green. So let’s see,” the Indian Test captain added.
Bumrah has been a key figure in the series, picking up 14 wickets in three matches. However, the World No. 1 Test bowler looked out of sorts during the fourth Test at Old Trafford, where he struggled to find rhythm and pace, and failed to deliver crucial breakthroughs.He bowled 33 overs in the first innings in Manchester — the most he has bowled in a single innings — but returned with figures of 2 for 103, marking the first time he has conceded over 100 runs in a Test innings.Statistics also show a sharp dip in his pace throughout the series. The percentage of deliveries clocking over 140 kph dropped from 42.7% at Headingley, to 22.3% at Lord’s, and further down to just 0.5% at Old Trafford.Despite this, Bumrah remains the joint-highest wicket-taker for India in the series alongside Mohammed Siraj, both with 14 wickets.Bumrah played the opening Test at Headingley, was rested for the second Test in Edgbaston (which India won), and returned for the third and fourth Tests at Lord’s and Old Trafford.Earlier, head coach Gautam Gambhir also addressed the team’s selection status after the Manchester Test.“We haven’t had any conversation around the combination for the last Test,” Gambhir said.“No decision has been made on whether Jasprit Bumrah will play or not. Ultimately, whoever plays, they will try and do the job for the country.”
