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England and India are ready to lock horns one final time in this high-intensity series, as the fifth and final Test takes place at the iconic Kia Oval in London. Both teams have showcased moments of brilliance over the previous four matches, delivering high-quality cricket throughout. With the long tour now entering its final leg, both sides have made several changes—mainly due to injuries. Among the most notable absentees is India’s pace spearhead, Jasprit Bumrah, who is set to miss the crucial clash.
Reason why Jasprit Bumrah misses out from the fifth Test
Bumrah is not playing the fifth Test at The Oval because the team management has chosen to rest him for workload management reasons, rather than due to any injury or disciplinary issue. Bumrah completed his pre-planned schedule of playing only three Tests in this five-match series as part of a strategy to preserve his fitness and longevity, especially considering his history of back injuries and the high demands placed on him as India’s premier fast bowler.
The Indian team decided not to risk him in the high-stakes series decider, opting instead for a fresh bowling line-up that includes Prasidh Krishna as his replacement. This decision reflects a cautious approach, prioritizing Bumrah’s longer-term availability for important future assignments over short-term gains, given the recent injury challenges faced by India’s fast-bowling group.
Other chances in the playing XI for Indian team
Team India have made a few other changes to their playing XI for the decisive clash. Along with Bumrah, pace-bowling all-rounder Shardul Thakur has also been left out after an ordinary run in the Test series. Debutant Anshul Kamboj, who faced criticism for his lack of pace at Old Trafford, has been benched as well. The visitors have brought in Karun Nair, returning to the side after the Lord’s Test. Dhruv Jurel replaces the injured Rishabh Pant behind the stumps, while Akash Deep and Prasidh have been drafted in for the vital encounter. With several key players missing, the responsibility now lies on young shoulders to deliver under pressure.
Playing XI of both teams:
England: Zak Crawley, Ben Duckett, Ollie Pope(c), Joe Root, Harry Brook, Jacob Bethell, Jamie Smith(w), Chris Woakes, Gus Atkinson, Jamie Overton, Josh Tongue
India: Yashasvi Jaiswal, KL Rahul, Sai Sudharsan, Shubman Gill(c), Karun Nair, Ravindra Jadeja, Dhruv Jurel(w), Washington Sundar, Akash Deep, Prasidh Krishna, Mohammed Siraj
