Key Points

India's batting coach Sitanshu Kotak confirmed Jasprit Bumrah is fit but no decision has been made about his inclusion in the fifth Test. Bumrah has been India's standout bowler with 14 wickets in the series so far. India trails England 1-2 but kept the series alive with a draw in Manchester. The final Test at the Oval will decide the fate of the Anderson-Tendulkar Trophy.

Key Points: Bumrah Fit But India Undecided on Playing Him in 5th England Test

  • Bumrah has taken 14 wickets in the series with two fifers
  • India trails England 1-2 ahead of the decisive Oval Test
  • Bumrah was rested in the 2nd Test due to workload concerns
  • India managed a draw in Manchester to keep series hopes alive
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No decision made on Bumrah playing 5th Test: Indian batting coach Sitanshu Kotak ahead of series decider

India's batting coach Sitanshu Kotak confirms Jasprit Bumrah is fit but no decision yet on his inclusion for the crucial 5th Test against England.

"No discussion on Jasprit Bumrah playing. Bumrah is fit now. – Sitanshu Kotak"

London, July 29

Indian batting coach Sitanshu Kotak siad on Tuesday that World No. 1 seamer Jasprit Bumrah is "fit" but no discussion on his playing in the fifth Test of the Anderson-Tendulkar Trophy against England starting from July 31 at the Oval.

While speaking at the press conference, Kotak said, "No discussion on Jasprit Bumrah playing. Bumrah is fit now. According to his load, he has bowled one inning in the last match. So, obviously head coach, our physio and captain, will have a discussion and decide."

Bumrah has been the best bowler for the Indian team in the ongoing series, having grabbed 14 wickets with two fifers at an average of 26.00 and an economy rate of 3.04.

During the announcement of India's squad for the Test tour of England, chief selector Ajit Agarkar confirmed that Bumrah was advised not to play consecutive Tests as part of his workload management. The precaution around Bumrah's usage stems from a stress reaction in his back during the fifth Test against Australia in Sydney in January.

In the five-match India-England Test series, Bumrah featured in the first, third, and fourth Tests; however, India lost two fixtures and managed to pull off a draw in the third.

Bumrah finished with figures of 2/112 in his 33 overs in the Manchester Test.

After the conclusion of the four Tests, India remains alive, trailing 1-2 as both teams return to London for one last contest of the five-match series.

In the series opener at Headingley and the third Test at Lord's, India were outbowled by the hosts, leading to their downfall.

India pulled off a stellar draw at Old Trafford in Manchester to stay hot on England's heels as the gruelling series heads towards its conclusion.

- ANI

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Reader Comments

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Shreya B
The team management is being very smart about this. We have important matches coming up including the World Test Championship. Bumrah's long-term fitness is more important than one Test match.
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Aman W
Why is there so much confusion? Either he's fit to play or he isn't. This back-and-forth is frustrating for fans who want clarity. The team needs to be more transparent.
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Priyanka N
As much as I want India to win, I don't want to risk Bumrah's career. Remember what happened to Zaheer Khan in 2011 England tour? Better to be safe than sorry.
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Varun X
Our bowling attack looks toothless without Bumrah. The Oval pitch might help seamers, so we need his yorkers and reverse swing! 🇮🇳 #PlayBumrah
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Nisha Z
The medical team knows best. If they say he needs rest, we should trust them. Cricket is a long game - we need Bumrah fit for years to come, not just one match.

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