Is Bumrah Missing the Fifth Test of the Anderson-Tendulkar Trophy?

Synopsis
Key Takeaways
- Bumrah's workload management is crucial.
- India's strategy is focused on long-term player health.
- The series stands at 1-2 against England.
- Head coach Gautam Gambhir commented on Bumrah's availability.
- Resting players is vital in modern cricket.
Mumbai, July 29 (NationPress) India is set to enter the crucial fifth and final Test of the Anderson-Tendulkar Trophy against England at The Oval in London without their pace spearhead Jasprit Bumrah. The medical team of the Indian cricket board has recommended that he refrain from playing to manage his workload effectively. Bumrah has already taken 14 wickets in three matches during this series.
As reported, although India finds itself trailing 1-2 in the five-match series, the team management and selectors have opted to follow their initial strategy, which limited Bumrah's participation to only three of the five Tests. He played in the first Test at Headingley, missed the second Test at Edgbaston, which India won, and featured in the subsequent Tests at Lord's and Old Trafford.
The BCCI Medical team has advised the Gujarat pacer to heed their recommendation, as it is aimed at protecting his back and considering his long-term fitness, as noted by ESPNCricinfo on Tuesday.
This decision isn’t entirely unexpected; the medical team, in conjunction with Bumrah, the Indian team management, and selectors, had previously agreed that he would only appear in three Tests during the England tour. Bumrah's appearances have included the first Test at Headingley, the second Test he missed, and the two Tests that followed.
With the Indian team not bowling since the fourth morning of the Manchester Test and preparing to begin the fifth Test on Friday, there were hopes that the 31-year-old Bumrah could play the final match, which might help equalize the series at 2-2. Head coach Gautam Gambhir fueled this speculation by stating that Bumrah was available for the fifth Test.
However, due to the demanding conditions in the series, where he had to bowl on slow and flat surfaces, his workload has significantly increased. In the fourth Test, Bumrah bowled 33 overs, taking two wickets for 100 runs. The BCCI medical team concluded that resting him would be more beneficial in the long run.