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TimesofIndia.com in London: It’s all to play for on Thursday at The Oval and with the series still on the line, multiple changes – some forced, some tactical – are set to take place in India’s playing XI for the fifth and final Test of the Anderson-Tendulkar trophy. Jasprit Bumrah’s status will become clearer in the next 24 hours and while he continues to be in the mix, final call will be taken keeping his workload in mind. He has already bowled 119.4 overs in the series – including 33 in Manchester – but just one outing in the fourth Test meant there was extra time to cool the heels in the change room.It is understood that a “wildcard” approach could be followed as far as Bumrah is concerned, and the team management is likely to shore up wicket-taking options for the fixture. Kuldeep Yadav has been warming the bench during the four Tests and his wait may well end. There is some prediction of rain in the week ahead but weather has had very little bearing on the surfaces, which have continued to be dry throughout the series.
Go Beyond The Boundary with our YouTube channel. SUBSCRIBE NOW!India must field an attack which is capable of picking 20 wickets in the Test as they have momentum on their side after the Manchester escape and have a bright chance of levelling the series. Coach Gautam Gambhir confirmed on Sunday, all fast bowlers have regained fitness and available for selection but it will be interesting to see which combination India go for.Mohammed Siraj and Akash Deep are set to feature and the third bowler could be either Bumrah or one of Arshdeep or Prasidh Krishna as Anshul Kamboj is highly unlikely to hold on to his spot after an underwhelming debut. This leaves the thinktank with the same question again – Shardul Thakur’s “depth” or Kuldeep’s wickets?This time, however, there could well be an all-in call as the series is alive and kicking and Thakur’s underutilisation clearly suggests there is very little trust in his abilities with the ball. There has been so much chatter around Kuldeep since the start of the series and the long wait could finally end in the all-important fixture.
Jasprit Bumrah’s fitness and workload will be assessed to ascertain if he plays the fifth Test against England. (Image: X/BCCI)
If Bumrah gets, and gives, an all clear, India will have not one but two X-factors in the playing XI and it will be a very strong statement to an opposition which appeared rattle at Old Trafford.Dhruv Jurel will be the only new face in the batting order as he replaces injured Rishabh Pant and the rest are set to retain their spots.
Arshdeep Singh could be drafted in for India in the fifth Test against England if Jasprit Bumrah is ruled out. (Image: X/BCCI)
Apart from Jurel, the bowling combination will witness multiple changes and as of now, Akash Deep, Kuldeep are emerging as strong candidates to be in the XI, with discussions still underway on Bumrah. The possibility of drafting Arshdeep Singh, who was always being prepared for the last two games, in the XI will not come as a surprise if Bumrah decides against playing at The Oval.
