India yet to take a call on Bumrah; Arshdeep could make his debut

The Indian team management seems to have taken the wait-and-watch approach before deciding on Jasprit Bumrah’s availability for the fifth Test.

Before the series got underway, it was decided that Bumrah would feature in only three fixtures to manage his workload. He has already featured in three Tests, but with the series on the line, the think-tank could deviate from its original plan.

The team’s batting coach Sitanshu Kotak said: “Bumrah is fit now, and he bowled in one innings in the previous match, so the head coach, physio and the captain will come together and decide. We are yet to make the decision.”

After drawing the fourth Test at Old Trafford, head coach Gautam Gambhir confirmed that all the pacers were fit.

During an optional training on Tuesday, Akash Deep and Arshdeep Singh bowled in tandem. Both missed out on the previous game due to injuries. There is a possibility of Arshdeep making his debut, replacing Anshul Kamboj. Akash, too, could return if the team decides to rest Mohammed Siraj, who has played in all four Tests.

During the practice session, Gambhir, had a long chat with spinner Kuldeep Yadav, who is yet to get a single game so far. In the past, The Oval surface has had something in it for the tweakers and the team management could be tempted to play the left-arm wrist-spinner in place of Shardul Thakur. However, Kotak said that a decision will be taken on the eve of the game after assessing the surface.

There are concerns over the No. 3 spot as well. Both Karun Nair and B. Sai Sudharsan have struggled to get going, even though Gambhir was happy with them building partnerships.

Kotak said he expects a big innings from the No.3 batter in the final Test. It could be a tricky call for the management.