Is Shubman Gill Unsure About Bumrah's Availability for Final Test at The Oval?

London, July 30 (NationPress) Indian skipper Shubman Gill announced that a determination regarding Jasprit Bumrah's participation in the fifth and final Test against England at The Oval will be made on the day of the match. With India trailing 1-2 in the five-match series, a victory is essential to equalize the contest.

“We will make a decision tomorrow,” Gill stated during the pre-match press conference. “The wicket appears quite green, so we will assess the situation.”

Gill confirmed that left-arm fast bowler Arshdeep Singh has been instructed to stay prepared and might earn his Test debut should Bumrah be given rest. “He is ready to go,” Gill mentioned. “We will finalize our playing XI after evaluating the pitch later today.”

India is contemplating Arshdeep as a possible substitute for Bumrah, who was rested in the fourth Test that concluded in a draw in Manchester.

When discussing the spin department, Gill expressed confidence in going forward with Ravindra Jadeja and Washington Sundar, despite England not selecting a frontline spinner. “We trust Ravindra Jadeja and Washington Sundar to manage the spin responsibilities effectively,” he asserted.

Gill remarked that a 2-2 series outcome would be a commendable achievement for the team, given the high competitiveness throughout the series. “After four days, predicting a winner was often challenging,” he added. “Each match has been closely contested. It’s been a significant learning journey for us, and we are optimistic about concluding on a positive note.”

He also minimized the on-field tensions between the two teams. The series has featured multiple intense moments, including his interaction with Zak Crawley at Lord’s and Jadeja’s refusal to halt play in diminishing light at Old Trafford.

“The relationship is excellent,” he affirmed. “On the field, we strive to win; both teams have exhibited fierce competition, and sometimes in the heat of the moment, incidents occur. However, once the match concludes, mutual respect prevails, so there are no regrets regarding the events that transpired on the field.”

The latest point of contention arose off the pitch, as India’s head coach Gautam Gambhir engaged in a heated dispute with Oval pitch curator Lee Fortis. This confrontation took place during an optional training session when Gambhir sought a closer inspection of the pitch.

“I’m unsure what transpired yesterday, or why the curator declined,” Gill commented. “We have played four matches here previously; no one has ever denied us access. So much cricket has unfolded, and we have observed the pitch. I’m puzzled about the fuss.”

Gambhir was reportedly instructed to maintain a distance of 2.5 to 3 meters from the pitch, a directive that surprised the Indian camp. “As far as I can remember, such instructions have never been issued,” Gill noted. “As long as you wear rubber spikes or are barefoot, you should be able to examine the pitch closely. We've played and watched sufficient cricket. I’m baffled about the fuss.”

When asked if Gambhir’s reaction was influenced by pressure or frustration, Gill promptly defended his coach: “Not at all. If a pitch curator requests us to observe the wicket from three meters away, that is not something we have experienced before.”

Despite the tensions, one might assume the atmosphere between the two teams has soured. Nevertheless, Gill downplayed any lingering animosity. “Not really,” he responded when inquired about any remaining hard feelings. “Once the match concludes, we focus on the next one… Whatever happened in the previous game is behind us. We aim to move forward and deliver our best in the upcoming match.”

A 2-2 series outcome, Gill emphasized, would represent a notable accomplishment, given the intensity and close nature of each match. “After four days, it was often difficult to foresee a victor,” he remarked, describing the series as a “valuable learning opportunity” for a team still growing under his leadership.

The fifth Test is set to commence on Thursday, with England leading the series 2-1.