India’s last push at retaining the Border-Gavaskar Trophy might have to be without their stand-in skipper Jasprit Bumrah as the pacer has suffered back spasm on Day 2 of the fifth and final Test in Sydney on Saturday, January 4. (Full BGT Coverage | More Cricket News)
Bumrah was spotted leaving the Sydney Cricket Ground during Australia’s first innings, with broadcast cameras capturing him being taken in a van along with India’s support staff and team doctor.
The Indian team is awaiting an update from the medical staff about Bumrah’s availability for the remainder of the Test match, and it will be a major blow given that India's overall lead is still not over 150 and have already lost six wickets.
“He had a back spasm. He had gone for scans. The medical team is monitoring him. So, we will know whenever the medical team gets back to us," Prasidh Krishna was quoted as saying by PTI.
Bumrah’s availability to bowl during Australia’s fourth innings could be a major deciding factor in the series with India desperate to make it 2-2 and retain the trophy they have held for the last decade.
The 31-year-old has taken 32 wickets in the series so far, and another special performance could potentially see him go past Maurice Tate’s (38 wickets) record for most wickets in a Test series by a touring bowler in Australia.
