Will Jasprit Bumrah be able to bowl further in the Sydney Test?

India's hopes of retaining the Border Gavaskar Trophy grew hazy when scenes of Jasprit Bumrah leaving the SCG midway through Day 2 emerged. The seamer has been doing the heavy lifting for the visitors ever since the five-match series kicked off in November at the Optus Stadium. Moreover, as the only player in top-notch form among the squad, Bumrah has been highlighted as India's sole guaranteed match-winner Down Under. Thus, when Bumrah complained of discomfort during the Sydney Test, the last BGT fixture, India's hopes of retaining the trophy seemed to come crashing down. The visuals from the SCG showed Bumrah leaving the venue to undergo scans at a medical facility. Within hours, Bumrah rejoined the squad, but there was no update on his condition or the injury scare.

Bumrah cleared to bat, but bowling update remains under wraps

Jasprit Bumrah removed Usman Khawaja late on Day 1 of the Sydney Test to keep India in the game. However, the seamer could bowl only one over after lunch on Day 2 before he returned to the Indian dressing room. Virat Kohli then took over as the stand-in captain, calling on Prasidh Krishna and Nitish Kumar Reddy to step in. Both seamers performed seamlessly as the trio of Krishna, Siraj, and Reddy bundled Australia out for 181, securing a narrow 4-run lead for India. However, despite their excellent performance, the focus remained on Bumrah's condition. Initial updates suggested that Bumrah experienced discomfort in his back, the same area that previously required surgery.

Following the end of the day's play, Prasidh Krishna faced questions from the press and provided an update on the pace spearhead. Krishna revealed that Bumrah had suffered a back spasm and underwent scans to assess the issue. He further mentioned that the medical team is monitoring Bumrah, but there is no confirmation on whether he will be able to take the field on Sunday for Day 3 of the Sydney Test.

"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," Krishna told.

While Krishna refrained from sharing further details, a recent update reported that Bumrah has been cleared to bat. However, regarding his bowling, a decision will be made on the morning of Day 3. Based on how Bumrah feels about rejoining the pace attack, the area where India needs him most, a call on his participation will be made. Meanwhile, India ended the day's play on Saturday at 141 for 6. If Bumrah is unable to contribute with the ball, India's slim lead could significantly hamper their chances of retaining the Border Gavaskar Trophy.

"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," the report informed.