Bad news for Indian cricket fans as Jasprit Bumrah is all set to miss the fifth and final Test of the ongoing series, according to a report from ESPNCricinfo.
England are leading the series 2-1 at the moment, however, after a valiant fightback in Manchester, India would hope to clinch a victory at the Oval and draw level in the series.
The Cricinfo report adds that the team management has taken the difficult decision to rest Bumrah after the medical team of the BCCI advised the fast bowler to rest for the final game to protect his back from another injury, while keeping in mind the long-term impact it could have on his body.
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Ahead of the Test series in England, the Indian team management had informed that they are planning to field Bumrah in just three matches in the five-game Test series.
The ace fast bowler played at Headingley, but was then rested for the Edgbaston Test. He returned to the team for the Lord's game and then retained his place in the starting line-up for the very important fourth Test at Old Trafford in Manchester.
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Who will replace Jasprit Bumrah in the Indian team for the 5th Test at the Oval?
ESPNCricinfo further claimed that Akash Deep is likely to replace Bumrah in the starting lineup for the fifth Test match.
The Bengal fast bowler missed the fourth Test due to a groin problem, but the pacer has reportedly recovered from the knock and has regained full fitness to take the field at the Oval.
How has Jasprit Bumrah performed in the series so far?
Bumrah has been India's highest wicket-taker in the ongoing Test series, having picked up 14 wickets in three matches, including two fifers. He has maintained an average of 26.00 in five innings.
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What next for England and India?
The two teams have only three days to recover and prepare for the fifth Test, where the outcome of the series will be decided. Day 1 of the fifth Test starts on Thursday, July 31.