Last Updated on 9 months ago by Charbel Coorey

India arrived at The Oval with a shot at levelling the series against England after securing a draw in the fourth Test at Old Trafford. However, they will be without talisman Jasprit Bumrah, who has been advised against playing in this match.

According to an ESPNcricinfo report, the BCCI medical team opted to rest Bumrah “in line with safeguarding his back and keeping the long-term in mind.”

Before the series, it was mentioned that the great fast bowler would play three of the five Tests. It is how it will transpire, and his teammates need to repeat their efforts from the second Test at Edgbaston.

India predicted XI for 5th Test at The Oval: 1. Yashasvi Jaiswal, 2. KL Rahul, 3. Sai Sudharshan, 4. Shubman Gill (c), 5. Washington Sundar, 6. Karun Nair, 7. Ravindra Jadeja, 8. Dhruv Jurel (wk), 9. Akash Deep, 10. Mohammed Siraj, 11. Prasidh Krishna

Dhruv Jurel will replace the injured Rishabh Pant. Where he bats will be an interesting decision for India, given Washington Sundar was outstanding at five in the second innings at Old Trafford.

According to a report by Indian Express, India are considering bringing in Karun Nair for Shardul Thakur to further strengthen the batting.

Regarding Bumrah’s replacement, Akash Deep is likely to come back into the XI as he has found good rhythm at training according to ESPNcricinfo. Deep, who was outstanding at Edgbaston, missed the Manchester Test due to a groin niggle.

With Siraj set to play all five Tests, the decision on the remaining pacer is reportedly between Prasidh Krishna and Arshdeep Singh. According to Times of India earlier this week, India were considering Arshdeep Singh, who can provide a point of difference with his left-arm angle. However, Indian Express reports Prasidh Krishna is likely to make the XI.

The Oval pitch in the spotlight after high-scoring Test series

Seamers have dominated at The Oval in this season’s County Championship, taking 131 of the 150 wickets in five matches. Surrey have won twice with the other three ending in draws. One of the draws was between Surrey and Durham, where the hosts made 820/9. Durham responded with 362 & 262/0. However, that match was played with a Kookaburra ball.

The pitch for the Test may assist the seamers early, but should become good for batting. Given the nature of the surfaces in this Test series, more help for the bowlers would be welcome relief to both the India and England bowling units.

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