Gautam Gambhir confirms all pacers, including Jasprit Bumrah, fit for Oval Test

Jasprit Bumrah declared fit for final Test against England. (PTI Photo)

In order to draw the series, India must win the Oval Test, and coach Gautam Gambhir has stated that his team has a full quota of fit fast bowlers to choose from. In addition, Gambhir hinted that Jasprit Bumrah would play a fourth Test after he had declared himself fit to play just three in the run-up to the series.

Bumrah had time to rest since before noon on day four of this Test, despite his slow pace at Old Trafford, which may also have been caused by a soft outfield and loose foot holes. The fifth and last Test starts on Thursday (July 31).

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In addition to Mohammed Siraj's general weariness, India entered the third Test hampered by injuries to Arshdeep Singh (bowling hand) and Akash Deep (groin). The team management had to bring in reinforcements from India and Anshul Kamboj played ahead of Prasidh Krishna.

"All the fast bowlers are fit. There are no injury concerns," Gambhir stated following India's batting display of 143 overs to earn a draw at Old Trafford and maintain their series hopes.

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That includes Bumrah, but his case is different. He isn't missing three Tests due to injury, but rather as part of a workload management plan designed to prevent further setbacks following a stress reaction earlier this year—a setback that sidelined him for five months. When asked if that plan remained non-negotiable with the series still hanging in the balance, Gambhir addressed the situation.

"We haven't had any conversation around the combination for the last Test," Gambhir replied. "No decision has been made on whether Jasprit Bumrah will play or not. Ultimately, whoever plays, they will try and do the job for the country."