Indian team management has to find an answer. Will they dare to play Jasprit Bumrah in the final Test of the ongoing Anderson-Tendulkar trophy? After the Manchester Test, the scoreline of the series lies as it was before, with England leading it by 2-1.

The 5th match at The Oval will decide the fate of the series. The match of India is going to be another must-win game. If England wins or the match results in a draw, then the home team will keep the trophy, and Team India has to return with empty hands. In such a crucial scenario, the presence of Jasprit Bumrah on the field can make an impact.

But will he play? Head coach Gautam Gambhir and chief selector Ajit Agarkar already declared that Bumrah would play in 3 tests only. So far he had played in the Leeds, Lord's, and Manchester Tests while resting for only one match in the tour. At Old Trafford, Bumrah was not in his top form; in his career, it was the first time when, in an innings, the pacer conceded over a hundred runs. He bowled 33 overs in the innings, which reflects the hard work he did. In 33 overs, the pace spearhead offered 112 runs and took a couple of wickets. His pace also decreased at a massive rate, especially during the later part of the first innings, and he may have had some issues in the ankle.

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Theory vs the reality 

The situation on pen and paper suggests that the team management should consider Bumrah to be rested. But the demand of the situation, the scoreline 2-1 against India, can force Indian team management to rechalk their plans on board.

Holding their cards tight, Captain Shubman Gill in the match presentation said, "Will have to wait and." "We haven't had any conversation around the combination for the last test. No decision has been made on whether Jasprit Bumrah will play or not," Head Coach Gautam Gambhir said in a post-match press conference.