Post a dramatic draw at Old Trafford, the caravan of the Anderson-Tendulkar trophy now moves to London for the fifth and final Test between India and England. The 5th Test is scheduled to be played from July 31 at the Kennington Oval.
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As both sides prepare for the final battle, one thing that has created a lot of buzz ahead of the big game is Jasprit Bumrah's availability for the decider. Aakash Chopra, former Indian cricketer, has expressed his opinions and questioned the star pacer's availability for the fifth Test.
Aakash Chopra believes Bumrah should play the fifth Test
India's ace pacer Jasprit Bumrah was slated to be available for just three games on this tour to England. This came as a pre-series decision, as the Indian management focused on managing the workload of India's star pacer.
Bumrah is coming back after a back injury, which forced him out of the Champions Trophy earlier this year. The pacer suffered the injury after India's tour to Australia, where he featured in all five Tests, bowling the highest number of overs.
He has already had a back surgery earlier in 2023 and has often faced concerns with his back, which makes workload management crucial for his sustainability at the International arena.
However, with the series on the line, Bumrah's absence from the final Test could severely impact the Indian bowling lineup and provide England with an upper hand ahead of the game. Aakash Chopra has now reflected his opinions on the matter.
On being asked about India's bowling combination on his YouTube channel, Aakash said:
"I think there will be changes (to India's bowling lineup), Bumrah has decided to play just three, but whether he should stick to just three, or play the fourth one too. I think the fourth one can be played. Why can't he play the fourth one (India's fifth Test against England)?"
The Indian bowling lineup was seen as well below par in the Manchester Test. After their good work in the first few games, the Pacers have seemed to be tiring. India conceded a monumental 669 runs in the first innings in Manchester.
India would hope for a much better bowling performance in the last game. With Akash Deep and Arshdeep being fit, some changes could be expected to the visitors' bowling lineup.
With the series poised at 2-1, both teams have everything to play for when they step onto the field at the Kennington Oval. India will be aiming to tie the series, while England's goal will be to secure the series with a victory.