Jasprit Bumrah to miss Oval Test, Akash Deep likely to replace India's 'handle with care' pacer

Jasprit Bumrah to miss Oval Test (BCCI Photo)

With the series at stake, India endured a fresh blow as reports have emerged of Jasprit Bumrah, team's premier pacer, sitting out of the fifth and final Test against England at The Oval, starting from Thursday. The development was reported by ESPNCricinfo, which stated that the decision is taken to protect the pacer from any back injury, while keeping the long-term prospects in mind. In all likelihood, it'll be Akash Deep, who has regained his fitness, will walk into the playing XI as a replacement.

Bumrah has lately emerged as a "handle with care" asset for Team India, especially after the tour of Australia where India lost 2-1. There Bumrah did the bulk of workload and kept Australia on their toes. However, he injured his back in the fifth and final Test in Sydney, which kept him out of competitive cricket for a significant period. He only returned to action midway during the Indian Premier League (IPL) and fortunately has remained injury free.

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However, he did appear in a bit of discomfort during the Manchester Test, which ended in a draw, but continued to bowl although it felt that the venom was missing. Bumrah clocked speed mostly in the range of 130-135 kmph at Old Trafford.

Ahead of the team's departure to the UK and even during the tour, Bumrah's fitness was emphasised and it was declared that the pacer would play just three out of the five matches. Well if Bumrah doesn't feature in the final encounter at The Oval that will be the case.

The pacer was part of the series opener in Leeds and was rested for the match in Birmingham. He returned to action at Lord's and took part in the Manchester showdown, which Akash Deep missed due to a groin niggle. However, news were coming in that Akash Deep was bowling in full tilt at the nets by the fifth day of the Manchester Test, making him as a first choice over Prasidh Krishna and Anshul Kamboj.