Jasprit Bumrah Exits SCG Mid-Match with Team Doctor Amid Injury Concerns

India’s stand-in captain Jasprit Bumrah experienced a concerning back spasm on Day 2 of the fifth and final Test of the Border-Gavaskar Trophy at the Sydney Cricket Ground.

The pacer’s absence from the field for two-and-a-half hours raised alarms as India battled to keep their series hopes alive.

Following the day’s play, pacer Prasidh Krishna confirmed that Bumrah had gone for scans. “Yes, he had a back spasm. He had gone for scans. The medical team is monitoring him, and we will know more when they get back to us,” said Krishna.

Bumrah had earlier left the field in the second session after bowling just one over post-lunch. He departed the SCG in a car accompanied by the team doctor and BCCI integrity manager Anshuman Upadhyay.

Though initially there appeared to be no serious concerns, visuals later showed Bumrah leaving the venue in his training gear.

A Stellar Performance Amid Workload Concerns

Bumrah had a productive morning session, claiming the vital wicket of Marnus Labuschagne and taking his series tally to 32 wickets, the most by an Indian bowler in a Test series on Australian soil. He surpassed Bishan Singh Bedi’s 31-wicket record from the 1977/78 tour.

The pacer bowled a four-over spell in the morning, followed by a three-over burst before lunch.

Despite showing no visible discomfort and maintaining speeds above 135 kmph, he appeared to struggle after lunch, with speeds dropping to the 120s and 130s.

His brief return to the field raised further concerns when he exited after a single over.

Bumrah’s workload has been a point of discussion throughout the series. He has bowled 152.1 overs across nine innings, with an impressive 32 wickets at an average of 13.06.

However, managing his physical fitness has been a challenge, especially after his 52-over effort during the Melbourne Test—his highest in a single match.

Leadership Transition Amid Injury Scare

Bumrah, India’s vice-captain, stepped into the leadership role after regular captain Rohit Sharma decided to sit out the final Test due to poor form.

With Bumrah’s temporary absence, Virat Kohli appeared to lead the team during the middle session on Day 2. India must secure a win at the SCG to retain the Border-Gavaskar Trophy, making Bumrah’s availability critical.

“If somebody is in such great form, you want to maximize it,” Rohit had said earlier.

“But there comes a time where you need to give him a breather. I’ve been cautious, talking to him about how he feels, but we need to manage things carefully.”

Bumrah’s current back issue follows his recovery from a stress fracture that kept him out of action in 2022.

Team India Steps Up in Bumrah’s Absence

With Bumrah off the field, India’s bowling unit rose to the occasion. Prasidh Krishna (3-42), Mohammed Siraj (3-51), and Nitish Kumar Reddy (2-32) delivered impressive performances to dismiss Australia for 181 in reply to India’s first-innings total of 185.

At stumps, India were 141-6, with Ravindra Jadeja (8) and Washington Sundar (6) at the crease.

Rishabh Pant had earlier smashed a rapid fifty, including a six off his first ball, showcasing intent and taking India’s lead to four runs.

Medical Update and Hope for Bumrah’s Return

The Times of India reported that Bumrah’s condition was “not serious” and that he might bat. However, a final decision on his bowling availability would depend on his condition the following morning.

“Bumrah was taken for a precautionary scan after a back spasm but nothing serious at the moment. He should be okay to bat, but the final call on his bowling will depend on how he feels,” the report stated.

Series Decider at the SCG

Australia leads the series 2-1, with India needing a win in Sydney to retain the Border-Gavaskar Trophy.

The spotlight remains on Bumrah’s recovery and the resilience of India’s squad as they battle injuries and intense competition to secure the coveted title.