India’s hard-fought draw in the fourth Test at Old Trafford came largely due to their batting lineup standing firm, but questions are now swirling around the bowling attack, particularly about will Jasprit Bumrah play the 5th Test at the Oval.
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India Bowlers Struggled in Manchester
While India managed to survive England’s aggressive approach in Manchester, the bowlers, especially in the absence of their usual sting, raised some eyebrows. With just one game left in the Anderson-Tendulkar Trophy, and the series tied at 2-1 in England’s favour, India must now assess whether their spearhead is likely to take the field for the final Test or be rested once more.
India Bowlers in the 4th Test：What Went Wrong?
In the drawn fourth Test, the Indian bowling unit, including Jasprit Bumrah, was far from its best. India bowlers in the 4th Test struggled to generate pressure consistently, with England comfortably scoring 518 runs in their only innings. Jasprit Bumrah, the world’s No. 1-ranked Test bowler, finished with uncharacteristic figures of 2 for 112 in 33 overs, showing signs of fatigue as his pace and bite seemed to dip.
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The India bowlers in the 4th Test couldn’t maintain the rhythm seen earlier in the series. The absence of Akash Deep, who was ruled out due to a groin injury after impressing with 10 wickets in the second Test at Edgbaston, left a noticeable gap in India’s attack. His replacements, Shardul Thakur and debutant Anshul Kamboj, were unable to make significant breakthroughs.
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With the Oval Test match approaching quickly, the selectors and team management are in a dilemma: Do they push Jasprit Bumrah to play one more game, or preserve him for future series, considering his recent injury history? India had earlier declared that Jasprit Bumrah would only feature in three of the five Tests on this England tour due to workload management. And now that he has played three, the real question looming large is, will Jasprit Bumrah play the 5th Test?
Series Situation：All to Play for at the Oval
India pulled off a gritty draw against England in the fourth Test at Old Trafford on Sunday after a remarkable batting fightback. Chasing down a massive first-innings lead of 311 runs, India responded with 425 for 4 in their second innings, thanks to centuries from Shubman Gill, Ravindra Jadeja, and Washington Sundar. The hosts had earlier piled up 669, with Ben Stokes and Joe Root starring with the bat.
The players shake hands as India battle their way to a draw in Manchester 🤝
England remain 2-1 ahead as we head to The Kia Oval for the fifth Test match starting on Thursday 🙌 pic.twitter.com/SnON8i6vQO
— Sky Sports Cricket (@SkyCricket) July 27, 2025
England still lead the five-match series 2-1, making the Oval Test match crucial for India if they want to level the series. The draw didn’t affect either team’s standing in the World Test Championship table, where England remain third and India fourth.
This Test was also memorable for personal milestones. Stokes joined elite company with a century and five-wicket haul in the same match, while Root surpassed Ricky Ponting to become the second-highest run-scorer in Test history. However, Stokes’ visible discomfort on Day 5 could be a concern for England heading into the Last Test match of the series.
Will Jasprit Bumrah Play the 5th Test at the Oval?
As India prepares for the showdown at the Oval Test match, there’s still no official confirmation on will Jasprit Bumrah play the 5th Test. Captain Shubman Gill and head coach Gautam Gambhir both deflected the question when asked after the fourth Test, neither ruling Bumrah in nor out. The team management is keeping its cards close to the chest, likely waiting to assess Bumrah’s physical condition before making a final decision.
Will Jasprit Bumrah play the fifth Test at The Oval? 🇮🇳 pic.twitter.com/i199vgz06g
— Sky Sports Cricket (@SkyCricket) July 27, 2025
However, signs point to Jasprit Bumrah being rested. He was down on energy and pace at Old Trafford, and the team had already committed to managing his workload at the start of the series. If he does sit out, it would align with the plan to avoid overburdening a player who has just returned from a major back injury earlier this year. Given that the Oval Test match is a crucial one with a potential 2-2 series result on the line, the temptation to play him is certainly there. But India might just resist that urge in the interest of long-term planning.
Related Article：Why India’s Win Record Without Jasprit Bumrah Doesn’t Tell the Full Story
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If Bumrah doesn’t play, Akash Deep appears to be the most probable replacement, fitness permitting. He had a strong outing in Birmingham and looked far more threatening than the bowlers who replaced him in Manchester. Should he recover in time, he will likely return to the XI. If not, India might have to persist with one of Thakur or Kamboj, although neither made a strong case in the fourth Test. The Fifth Test match will demand discipline and firepower from the bowlers, and with conditions often favouring swing, someone like Akash Deep could be key.
So, will Jasprit Bumrah play the 5th Test? Based on the initial plan and recent indicators, it seems unlikely. But with India needing a win to square the series, the team management will have a tough call to make. One thing is certain: his absence will be felt, and the India bowlers in the 4th Test have made it evident that without him, the attack lacks bite. As we count down to the Oval Test match, fans and pundits alike will keep asking the same pressing question: is Bumrah going to feature in the fifth and final Test or be rested once more?
