ENG vs IND 2025: What will India’s pace attack look like for 5th Test vs England without Jasprit Bumrah?

India are likely to be without their ace pacer Jasprit Bumrah for the fifth and final Test of the Anderson-Tendulkar Trophy at The Oval, starting July 31. The decision, taken by the BCCI medical team, is based on workload management and long-term fitness considerations, particularly concerning Bumrah’s back.

The call was not a surprise as Bumrah was set to feature in only three of the five Tests on the tour, a plan agreed upon by the team management and selectors before the series began keeping the pacer's workload in mind. Though he was fit, the tight three-day turnaround between the fourth and fifth Tests and signs of fatigue in Manchester led to the expected decision.

Bumrah has been outstanding throughout the series, picking 14 wickets, joint-most by an Indian bowler. But with flat conditions expected at the Oval and a heavy workload behind him, the visitors have opted to manage their premier fast bowler.

Here is how India’s pace attack could look like for 5th Test vs England without Jasprit Bumrah:

3. Akash Deep

Akash Deep is likely to return to India’s playing XI in Bumrah's absence. Deep, who missed the fourth Test due to a groin injury, looked in good touch during India’s optional training session on Tuesday. The seamer had made an instant impact in the second Test at Edgbaston with a ten-wicket haul, including 6 for 99 in the second innings. Although he struggled at Lord’s, the greenish pitch at The Oval could play to his benefit.