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The Indian team management seems to have taken the wait-and-watch approach before deciding on Jasprit Bumrah’s availability for the fifth Test.
Before the series got underway, it was decided that Bumrah would feature in only three fixtures to manage his workload. He has already played his quota, but with the series on the line, the management could deviate from its original plan.
However, the team’s batting coach Sitanshu Kotak said: “Bumrah is fit now, and he bowled in one innings in the previous match, so the head coach, physio and the captain will come together and decide. We are yet to make the decision…”
After drawing the fourth Test in Manchester, head coach Gautam Gambhir confirmed that all the pacers were fit, and during an optional training session on Tuesday, Akash Deep and Arshdeep Singh bowled in tandem.
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Both missed out on the previous game due to injuries, and according to sources, there is a possibility of Arshdeep making his Test debut, replacing Anshul Kamboj. Akash could return if the team decides to rest Mohammed Siraj, who has played all four Tests.
During the session, coach Gambhir had a long chat with spinner Kuldeep Yadav, who has been on the bench throughout the series. In the past, The Oval surface has had something in it for the spinner, and the team management could be tempted to play the wrist-spinner by benching Shardul Thakur. However, Kotak said that a decision will be taken on the eve of the game after assessing the surface.
There are concerns over No.3 as well. So far, both Karun Nair and B. Sai Sudharsan have struggled to put up big scores, although Gambhir was happy with their partnership-building. It could be a tricky selection call for the management.
