New Delhi: Much has been discussed about Jasprit Bumrah’s participation in the fifth and final Test match after he was done with his quota of playing three Test matches on the England tour. But with the series still alive, and a potential chance for India to make it 2-2, there is something to ponder upon for the BCCI selection committee.
Talking about the ace pacer’s workload management, India’s batting coach Sitanshu Kotak asserted on Tuesday that Bumrah is fit to play in the series finale beginning on July 31, Thursday. After India exhibited their batting class to ensure a draw in the fourth Test in Manchester, the series remained very much alive with a chance for India to draw it and a potential chance for England to win it.
Bumrah fit to bowl
Having bowled for five innings in the three Test matches, Bumrah’s workload is not under question and certainly not a problem for the Shubman Gill-led side. On the other hand, head coach Gautam Gambhir has also not ruled out the possibility of Bumrah featuring in the crucial game and the batting coach on Friday reiterated the same.
‘Bumrah is fit now according to his load. He has bowled one inning in the last match. So that obviously head coach, our physio and captain they will have a discussion and decide. There has been no discussion,’ Kotak said two days before the game.
Akash Deep, who was axed from the previous Test match due to injury, has also been declared fit to play the series finale while Arshdeep Singh, who has been seen practicing hard in the nets, is also likely to make his Test debut. In such a scenario, it will be interesting to see that how is the Indian bowling line-up decorated ahead of the series-deciding match.