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Xtra Time Web Desk: Indian team led by Virat Kohli will be eyeing a historic test series win against England as the two sides will meet each other in the fifth and final test match at the Old Trafford starting from Friday. The major concerns for the Indian team management has been the form of vice captain Ajinkya Rahane. Another concerning area will be the workload management of Jasprit Bumrah.  

The weather prediction for the game starting Friday would bring smiles in the Indian camp as there is forecast of rain during the first two days which increases the chance of Virat Kohli becoming the first Indian captain to win an away Test series both in Australia (2018-19) and England (2021). India are currently leading the five match test series 2-1 right.

Jasprit Bumrah and Mohammed Shami has shared the burden of leading the fast bowling department in the series. Shami has been given rest in the last test match. It remains to be seen if Bumrah, who has already bowled 151 overs in the series till date is given another go given the brittle England batting line up.  

In perfect bowling conditions that the Old Trafford provides at times, not playing Bumrah will be a travesty but then a T20 World Cup is there in six weeks time which will make any captain ponder over the worst of possibilities, including injuries which might hamper India's chances.

Umesh Yadav (6 wickets) and all-rounder Shardul Thakur (3 wickets 117 runs), after their respective impressive performances in the last game, aren't going to be benched and Bumrah is someone who will be required big time in the biggest game of the series.

In case, the team management looks at the bigger picture and decides giving Bumrah an option to cool his heels, then Mohammed Siraj, despite not having a decent show in the last Test, will get a look-in.

As far as Rahane is concerned, it will be interesting if the Mumbai batsman is given another opportunity. He has so far failed in six innings. If Rahane misses out (very unlikely) then either Suryakumar Yadav or Hanuma Vihari will get a nod in.

The non-inclusion of Ravichandran Ashwin has been non-negotiable for captain Kohli, whose vote of confidence in Ravindra Jadeja's all-round skills has been partially vindicated if not fully. It goes to be seen if the experienced off spinner does find a place in the final test of the series.

For England, Jos Buttler is all set to return after the birth of his daughter. He will be back with the keeping gloves, leaving England team management to pick between Ollie Pope and Jonny Bairstow. It is expected that Mark Wood will share the new ball with Chris Woakes with Craig Overton likely to miss the Test. England too will have to rethink about the workload management of James Anderson who would not like to miss a home test.