Aakash Chopra says Jasprit Bumrah should play 5th Test against England

Former Indian Test opener Aakash Chopra believes Jasprit Bumrah should play the fifth Test match against England. Bumrah has already played three Test matches against England and it was earlier revealed by the team management that he would play only three out of the five Test matches against England.

The gun fast bowler had returned with figures of 2-112 in 33 overs he bowled at Manchester, conceding more than 100 runs in a Test innings for the first time in his career. The ace pacer has scalped 14 wickets in three Test matches at an average of 26 in the ongoing series against England, including two five-wicket hauls.

Aakash Chopra said on his YouTube Channel, “I feel there will be changes. Bumrah has decided that he will play three (Tests) only. Should he play three only? I feel a fourth can be played. Why can’t he play his fourth Test and the fifth Test of the series? I feel he should play.”

India’s head coach Gautam Gambhir revealed every fast bowler is fit and is available for selection for the fifth Test.

“I don’t know about Siraj’s fitness, although Gauti came and said that everyone is available. However, is he available? Is he 100 percent? Akash Deep and Arshdeep, I don’t know,” he observed.

On the other hand, the renowned commentator said India should definitely play Kuldeep Yadav in the final XI. Yadav has been ignored in the first four Test matches despite an impressive record against England.

“I feel Kuldeep Yadav should definitely be played at The Oval ground because this is a surface that eventually helps spin, and he is also crafty and skillful. You need to bring such bowlers into the game. The Bazball-playing English team might look to slog him a lot,” he said.

Chopra said there is no doubt that the all-rounder duo of Ravindra Jadeja and Washington Sundar would retain their places in the playing XI after performing consistently at Old Trafford.

“It might backfire if they are unable to read him from the hand. I will put the stamp for Kuldeep Yadav. I have no idea about the rest of the bowling combination that should be played for the fifth Test. I see Jaddu and Sundar playing. So you have got these three spinners, but then, you also need fast bowlers,” Chopra observed.

The fifth and final Test match between England and India will be played at the Kennington Oval, London, from 31st July onwards.