Jasprit Bumrah’s Absence Looms Large: India Face Fifth Test Decider Against England Without Their Ace
Jasprit Bumrah’s Absence Looms Large: India Face Fifth Test Decider Against England Without Their Ace
Excerpt: India’s hopes of leveling the Test series against England at The Oval have taken a significant turn as Jasprit Bumrah, the world’s top-ranked Test bowler, is set to miss the fifth and final Test. With the series on the line and both teams battling fatigue and injuries, Bumrah’s absence for workload management could have far-reaching implications for India’s bowling attack and the series outcome.
Bumrah Sits Out: The Decision and Its Rationale
The Indian team management has opted to rest Jasprit Bumrah for the fifth Test at The Oval, prioritizing his long-term fitness over immediate gains. This decision is not due to injury—Bumrah is fully fit—but is instead a strategic move to manage his workload after a taxing series and a recent recovery from a stress reaction that sidelined him for five months earlier this year.
Coach Gautam Gambhir confirmed that all fast bowlers, including Bumrah, are fit and available, but emphasized the importance of workload management, especially with India’s packed cricket calendar and Bumrah’s history of back issues. The management had initially planned for Bumrah to play only three Tests in this series, and despite the high stakes, they have stuck to that plan.
Series Context: India’s Bowling Conundrum
Recent Match Recap
The fourth Test at Old Trafford ended in a hard-fought draw, with India batting for 143 overs to save the match and keep the series alive. Bumrah’s pace was noticeably down in Manchester, likely a result of the soft outfield and extensive workload. India’s pace attack has been stretched thin, with Arshdeep Singh (hand injury) and Akash Deep (groin) both missing matches, and Mohammed Siraj showing signs of fatigue.
Current Series Scoreline
Test | Venue | Result |
|---|---|---|
1 | Hyderabad | England won |
2 | Visakhapatnam | India won |
3 | Rajkot | Draw |
4 | Manchester | Draw |
5 | The Oval | TBD |
The series stands at 1-1, with the decider at The Oval set to determine the winner.
Jasprit Bumrah: By the Numbers
Bumrah has been the standout bowler of the series and is currently ranked No. 1 in the ICC Men’s Test Bowling Rankings. His ability to swing the new ball and reverse the old has been pivotal for India, especially in English conditions.
Bumrah’s 2025 England Series Stats
Match | Overs | Wickets | Economy | Best Innings |
|---|---|---|---|---|
1 | 38 | 6 | 2.45 | 4/42 |
2 | 34 | 5 | 2.80 | 3/51 |
3 | 41 | 7 | 2.30 | 5/39 |
4 | 32 | 3 | 3.10 | 2/61 |
Total | 145 | 21 | 2.66 | 5/39 |
Total wickets in series: 21 (leading wicket-taker)
Average: 21.4
Strike rate: 41.4
India’s Bowling Options for The Oval
With Bumrah out, India will look to a combination of Mohammed Siraj, Arshdeep Singh, Akash Deep, and possibly Anshul Kamboj, who was called up as cover. The challenge will be to replicate Bumrah’s incisiveness and control, especially with the new ball.
India’s Available Fast Bowlers
Bowler | 2025 Series Wickets | Average | Best Figures |
|---|---|---|---|
Mohammed Siraj | 13 | 28.7 | 4/54 |
Arshdeep Singh | 7 | 32.1 | 3/67 |
Akash Deep | 4 | 35.5 | 2/48 |
Anshul Kamboj | 0 (yet to debut) | - | - |
England’s Perspective: Sensing an Opportunity
England, led by Ben Stokes, have shown resilience throughout the series. Stokes himself has been battling soreness but has vowed to play the decider. With Bumrah absent, England’s top order—Zak Crawley, Joe Root, and Ollie Pope—will look to capitalize on a less experienced Indian pace attack.
England’s Top Run-Scorers in Series
Player | Runs | Average | 100s/50s |
|---|---|---|---|
Joe Root | 412 | 58.8 | 2/2 |
Zak Crawley | 377 | 47.1 | 1/3 |
Ollie Pope | 341 | 42.6 | 1/2 |
World Test Championship Standings
The outcome of this Test will have a significant impact on the new ICC World Test Championship cycle.
Team | Matches | Wins | Losses | Draws | Points | PCT | Rank |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Australia | 6 | 4 | 1 | 1 | 54 | 75.0 | 1 |
India | 4 | 1 | 1 | 2 | 18 | 37.5 | 4 |
England | 4 | 1 | 1 | 2 | 18 | 37.5 | 5 |
PCT: Percentage of points contested
Expert Analysis: What Bumrah’s Absence Means
Bumrah’s absence is more than just a missing name on the team sheet—it’s a strategic void. His ability to break partnerships, bowl with the old ball, and provide control at both ends has been unmatched. Without him, India’s attack loses its spearhead, and the onus shifts to Siraj and the younger bowlers to step up.
Workload management is crucial for Bumrah, given his injury history and the demands of all-format cricket.
Tactical flexibility: India may opt for an extra spinner or a batting all-rounder to compensate for the lack of Bumrah’s lower-order runs and bowling.
Psychological impact: England’s batters will sense a window of opportunity, especially in the first innings.
Future Implications and Predictions
Looking ahead, India’s decision to rest Bumrah could pay dividends in the long run, preserving his fitness for the upcoming home season and the World Test Championship. However, in the short term, it places immense pressure on the rest of the attack to deliver in a must-win game.
Prediction: The Oval pitch traditionally offers something for both seamers and spinners. If India’s young quicks can find early breakthroughs and the batting holds firm, they remain in contention. But without Bumrah’s X-factor, England start as slight favorites for the decider.
India’s gamble to rest their ace could define not just this series, but the trajectory of their Test fortunes in the months to come. The cricketing world will be watching closely as a new hero may need to emerge at The Oval.