Sitanshu Kotak shares an update on Jasprit Bumrah’s availability for 5th ENG vs IND 2025 Test

India’s batting coach Sitanshu Kotak has revealed that no decision has been taken on Jasprit Bumrah’s availability for the fifth Test match against England. Bumrah has taken 14 wickets in three Test matches of the Anderson-Tendulkar series at an average of 26.

However, as earlier revealed, Bumrah was slated to play only three out of the five Test matches against England. It has been reported that the ace pacer would miss the series decider Test at the Kennington Oval to manage his workload. 

Sitanshu Kotak said in the pre-match press conference, “No discussion on Jasprit Bumrah playing. Bumrah is fit now. According to his load, he has bowled one inning in the last match. So, obviously head coach, our physio and captain, will have a discussion and decide.”

Kotak said there is grass on the pitch, and thus the fast bowlers can come in handy. England has already named Josh Tongue, Gus Atkinson, Chris Woakes, and Jamie Overton in their playing XI, and it would be interesting to note India’s combination.

Kotak added, “There is grass on the wicket. Apart from Manchester, there has been grass on all the other wickets in the series. There is some moisture. Traditionally, the bounce is good here. There is also some movement early on and runs can also be scored. This data, however, is from 2019 and we are in 2025 now. So, when we play we’ll know exactly how the wicket is.”

The pitches in the ongoing Anderson-Tendulkar series have been batting-friendly, as a total of 18 centuries have been scored in the series. 

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