Former England opener Nick Compton has urged the Indian pacer Jasprit Bumrah to play in the fifth and final Test at The Oval, which begins tomorrow, July 31. India are currently trailing 1-2 in the five-match series, with just one game remaining.

The discussion has largely focused on Bumrah’s participation, given his workload management. Before the series began, it was decided that the 31-year-old would feature in only three of the five Tests, due to his injury concerns.

Reflecting on Bumrah potentially missing the crucial final Test, Compton shared his thoughts with Revsportz:

“If this isn’t one of the most significant Test matches in recent Indian history, then what are you waiting for? He should get whatever treatment is necessary, push through, and get onto the field.”

“Ultimately, it’s his decision. I don’t believe he’s injured, just perhaps a little sore or fatigued. But these are the moments every cricketer dreams of. How often do you get the chance to play a five-Test series in England? Given his injury record, this might be his last shot.”

Bumrah was absent during the second Test at Edgbaston, a match in which India secured their only win of the series. Despite playing in only three out of four Tests, the ace seamer has claimed 14 wickets, making him joint-top wicket-taker for India, with an average of 26.