BCCI takes big call on Jasprit Bumrah in middle of India vs England fifth Test at Oval

Jasprit Bumrah released from India's Test squad

"Mr Jasprit Bumrah has been released from India’s squad for the fifth Test of the series against England. The fifth and final Test of the series is underway at Kennington Oval, London," BCCI's official statement read.

Bumrah played in the first, third, and fourth Tests of the series, where he took a total of 14 wickets. His best performance came during the Lord's Test, where he took 5/74 in the first innings, earning him a spot on the prestigious Lord's Honours Board. However, India's sole victory in the series came in the second Test at Edgbaston, a match in which Bumrah was rested. In his absence, India's pace attack was led by Mohammed Siraj, Akash Deep, and Prasidh Krishna, who helped secure a massive 336-run win.

For the fifth and last Test against England, Indian Team management made four changes to their playing XI. Bumrah, Rishabh Pant, Shardul Thakur, and Anshul Kamboj were all left out of the side. In their place, India brought in Prasidh Krishna, Dhruv Jurel, Akash Deep, and Karun Nair. On a green-tinged pitch and under overcast conditions, England won the toss and elected to bowl first. India finished a rain-interrupted Day 1 with a score of 204 for 6, with Karun Nair and Washington Sundar at the crease.

In the previous Test at Old Trafford, Bumrah's pace was noticeably down, hovering between 130 and 135 kmph. Despite this, he bowled disciplined, tight spells that helped contain the flow of runs from one end. However, the other pacers, including Mohammed Siraj, Thakur, and Kamboj, proved to be expensive, which put immense pressure on the rest of the bowling attack.

Talking about the series, England currently hold a 2-1 lead in the Anderson-Tendulkar Trophy. For India to level the five-match series, they must secure a victory in this final Test. A draw or a defeat would result in England winning their first home Test series against India since 2018.