Former Indian all-rounder Irfan Pathan has backed Jasprit Bumrah to play the fifth Test match against England. Before the Test series, India’s think tank revealed that Bumrah would play only three out of the five Test matches to manage his workload.

But with the series on the line with India trailing by 1-2, Pathan wants India’s best fast bowler to play at the Oval. Bumrah has scalped 14 wickets in three Test matches of the series at an average of 26. 

Meanwhile, Bumrah returned with figures of 2-112 in 33 overs he bowled at Manchester and didn’t look at his absolute best as this is the first time when he was taken for more than 100 runs in a Test inning.

“What must India do now? Bowlers of both teams will be tired as it is the fifth Test coming. There is not a lot of gap. The tiredness comes. This is why even Bumrah is not playing, injury management or whatever it is. I am not in agreement with that. I still believe that if you are selected, you should be available and play all matches,” Jasprit Bumrah said on his YouTube channel. 

Pathan backed Kuldeep Yadav to play the fifth Test match. Yadav has an impressive record against England but he hasn’t been given his chances in the first four games.

“The question is can they somehow bring in Kuldeep Yadav? It is tough. But our bowlers are tired. Siraj is tired. Bumrah has a management issue. Then you need a wicket-taking bowler. I am not saying he will come in and pick wickets, there is no guarantee. But because the game is at The Oval where you get some bounce as a spinner, can they play him? Can you think of a combination where you can fit him?,” he reflected. 

On the other hand, Sai Sudharsan scored an impressive knock of 61 runs in the first innings but was dismissed for a golden duck in the second dig. Pathan said the left-hander must cash in on his opportunity.

“Sai Sudharsan got the opportunity and now it is important for him to cash in. We have seen his ability in white-ball cricket. He has it in him. Yes he has to work on his head position, and keep working on his technique,” he said. 

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