India’s fast bowling unit will be fully available for the final Test at The Oval, coach Gautam Gambhir said Sunday, giving the team a welcome boost as they aim to level the five-match series against England.
The big question, though, remains: Will Jasprit Bumrah play?
Gambhir stopped short of confirming Bumrah’s place. While the pacer is not injured, he was originally expected to feature in only three Tests this summer due to workload management. Now, with the series still alive and England leading 2-1, selectors face a decision.
“We haven’t had any conversation around the combination for the last Test,” Gambhir told reporters after India batted out 143 overs to draw the fourth match in Manchester. “No decision has been made on whether Jasprit Bumrah will play or not.”
Bumrah’s pace appeared lower than usual during the fourth Test, possibly affected by soft patches on the Old Trafford pitch and loose foot holes. But he was rested after the first session on day four and has had time to recover before Thursday’s decider in London.
At the start of the series, India’s management had made it clear Bumrah would be limited to three Tests. The concern wasn’t current injury, but the risk of one. Earlier this year, a stress reaction in his back kept him out of action for five months.
Despite earlier uncertainty due to injuries — Arshdeep Singh had issues with his bowling hand, Akash Deep suffered a groin strain, and Mohammed Siraj was showing signs of fatigue — all fast bowlers are now fit, Gambhir confirmed.
“There are no injury concerns,” he said.
The real issue here, however, is what to expect from this team. Sure, Gambhir admits they’re a pretty inexperienced group, but he’s not letting them off the hook. For him, winning is still the bottom line.
“You are asking someone who only believes in results,” he said. “Yes, there is inexperience, but this is still the best Indian team right now. We are 2-1 down. Hopefully we can make it 2-2. That’s going to be a good achievement.”
India’s resilience in Manchester was noteworthy. After being put under pressure, the team batted through five sessions to force a draw — an effort Gambhir called a sign of “great character.”
“When you are put under pressure and come out of those moments, it gives a lot of confidence in the dressing room,” he said.
Still, Gambhir warned against any complacency heading into The Oval.
“It’s going to be a new game,” he said. “It’s going to be against a strong England side, and we absolutely will be up for it.”
The final Test begins Thursday. Whether Bumrah walks out to bowl may depend on more than just fitness. It may come down to risk, trust, and whether India believes their top pacer can give them one last push.
