Gill unsure if Bumrah will play final Test

Bumrah's Oval Return Uncertain as India Eye Series Draw

India Captain Shubman Gill Hints at Star Bowler's Possible Fifth Test Appearance

Could Jasprit Bumrah return for the decisive fifth Test against England? Touring captain Shubman Gill has left the door open, suggesting that if the star bowler is fully fit, he would be a valuable asset for India.

"If he feels like he’s fully fit and available for us, I think it would be a great deal for us," Gill told Test Match Special. "If he's not playing, I still think we have the right kind of bowling attack."

Bumrah, ranked as the world's leading bowler, has already taken 14 wickets in the series – more than any other Indian bowler. However, his performance in the drawn fourth Test at Old Trafford was less potent, with figures of 2-112 from 33 overs. The 31-year-old has been battling a back injury earlier this year and India had pre-emptively limited him to three Tests.

Tactical Tightrope: Keeping Bumrah's Decision Under Wraps

Former England captain Alastair Cook believes India are right to keep their cards close to their chest regarding Bumrah's availability for the fifth Test.

"Even if he isn't going to play, you wouldn't tell people now, just on a purely tactical basis," Cook told Test Match Special. "They made a mistake at the beginning of the series saying he could only play three, because you get thrown into a situation like now where the series is still on the line.

"If he's not fit to play, not playing is the right decision."

Akash Deep Returns, Pant Out with Broken Foot

Good news for India comes in the form of seamer Akash Deep's return after missing the fourth Test due to a groin injury. However, wicketkeeper Rishabh Pant will miss the final Test following a broken foot sustained during the Manchester clash. Tamil Nadu wicketkeeper Narayan Jagadeesan has been called up as cover.

Pant’s remarkable resilience, batting with a broken foot and reaching 54 runs, was lauded by India coach Gautam Gambhir. “Any amount of praise is not enough for him, batting with a broken foot,” he said. “Generations to come should talk about this, someone who batted with a broken foot."

Gambhir also expressed his support for the introduction of injury replacements in Test cricket.

India's Dramatic Escape at Old Trafford Keeps Series Alive

India pulled off an incredible escape in the fourth Test, drawing the match and keeping the series alive at 2-1 in England's favor. Chasing a mammoth target after being reduced to 0-2 early on day four, India defied expectations with centuries from Shubman Gill, Ravindra Jadeja and Washington Sundar, taking their total to 425-4 and ultimately securing a draw.

"This is no less than a win for us," said Gill. "Having batted again around 300 runs off the lead, our batsmen put on a great display."