India’s stand-in captain, Jasprit Bumrah, faced an injury scare on Day 2 of the decisive fifth Test against Australia at the Sydney Cricket Ground on Saturday. The star pacer appeared to experience discomfort and was subsequently taken to a local hospital for scans after bowling just one over post-lunch. Addressing the media after the day’s play, pacer Prasidh Krishna confirmed that Bumrah suffered a back spasm, casting doubt over his participation on Day 3.
Krishna stated, “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.”
A report by the Times of India indicated that while Bumrah might be fit to bat, his availability as a bowler would depend on his condition in the morning.
The report said, “Bumrah was taken for a precautionary scan after a back spasm but nothing serious at the moment. He should be okay to bat, but a final call on his bowling will be taken on the basis of how he feels in the morning. So let’s see, and the medical team is closely monitoring him.”
In Bumrah’s absence, Prasidh Krishna (3-42), Mohammed Siraj (3-51), and Nitish Kumar Reddy (2-32) stepped up to dismiss Australia for 181 after the visitors resumed play at 9-1.
At the close of play, India were 141-6, with Ravindra Jadeja on eight and Washington Sundar on six, stretching their slender four-run lead from the first innings. Earlier, Rishabh Pant blasted a rapid fifty, smashing a six on his first ball and reaching the milestone in just 29 deliveries, with another powerful shot clearing the ropes.
Australia leads the series 2-1, and India must win this Test to retain the Border-Gavaskar Trophy.
