England vs India: 3 Reasons why Jasprit Bumrah should've played fifth Test

Both fans and experts were taken aback by Jasprit Bumrah's decision to skip the fifth and final Test match between England and India at The Oval. Despite the high stakes of the match, India's star bowler, who had led the team’s bowling attack in three tests in the series, was rested.

Bumrah regularly plagued England's top order and took 14 wickets with two fifers at an outstanding average of 26.00 in his three Test matches. India's success earlier in the series was largely due to his ability to make breakthroughs under duress. He was also duly rested, as India batted for two days in Manchester and there was a 3-day gap between the 4th and 5th tests.

Here are the 3 reasons why Jasprit Bumrah should've played the fifth Test between England vs. India:

1. The Oval Test was the series decider, and India needed its best fast bowler

India needed their most dependable match-winner on the field since the five-match series was on the line. With 14 wickets in just three games, Jasprit Bumrah was in scorching form and had dominated England's batting order the entire time. India's assault could be weakened if he were rested during such a crucial game.

Jasprit Bumrah's ability to strike early and reverse the ball later could have been the difference, especially on the Oval pitch that is usually result-oriented. Bumrah provided India with both the experience and form that were crucial in a high-pressure game.

2. Jasprit Bumrah has troubled England’s top order

Jasprit Bumrah's precise seam movement and decent speed have repeatedly exposed England's top-order batters. He frequently broke partnerships just as they were harming India’s cause and had the number of key England batters like Ben Duckett and Joe Root. Just having him around helped India put pressure on England batters, who made mistakes.

The Jasprit Bumrah threat was enough for the England batting order not to have that rhythm to settle into their batting. In his absence, England had more breathing room to dominate Indian bowling. Bumrah’s ability to take wickets at crucial moments would have significantly changed the outcome of the game.

3. India has no like-for-like replacement for Jasprit Bumrah

Even though India brought in new talents like Prasidh Krishna and Akash Deep for this Test match, none of them could match Bumrah's influence or skill set. He provides a unique combination of control, pace, and accuracy that is difficult to match. He is also essential in a variety of situations due to his tactical awareness and versatility.

India has taken a huge risk by fielding inexperienced bowlers in a do-or-die Test, particularly when facing an aggressive England team. Throughout the series, India's bowling strategy has relied heavily on Bumrah's leadership with the ball. India's chances of winning the series were eventually diminished by the attack's lack of authority and crispness in his absence.

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