WTC Final Update: Injured Jasprit Bumrah Set to Bat, But Bowling Likely to Be Limited

India’s stand-in captain Jasprit Bumrah suffered an injury scare during Day 2 of the fifth and final Test against Australia on Saturday. The ace pacer faced discomfort and bowled just one over after lunch at the Sydney Cricket Ground before being taken to a local hospital for scans.

At the post-play press conference, pacer Prasidh Krishna shared that Bumrah had suffered a back spasm, casting doubt on his participation on Day 3.

“He had a back spasm and was sent for scans. The medical team is monitoring him, and we’re awaiting their update,” Krishna informed reporters.

I think he’ll be okay to bat, but a decision on his bowling will depend on how he feels in the morning,” said a report by The Times of India.

Bumrah was taken for precautionary scans because of a back spasm but the issue doesn’t seem too serious at this point. He should be good to bat, but his availability for bowling tomorrow will depend on how he wakes up,” said the report.

In the absence of Bumrah, it was Prasidh Krishna (3-42), Mohammed Siraj (3-51), and Nitish Kumar Reddy (2-32) who did the trick and helped India bowl out Australia for 181, resuming from 9-1.

India were 141-6 at the end of Day 2, with Ravindra Jadeja on eight and Washington Sundar on six, leading Australia by 144 runs after their first-innings score of 185. Earlier, Rishabh Pant played an explosive knock, scoring a quickfire 50 off just 29 balls, including a six off his first delivery and another to reach his half-century.

Australia has been leading the series 2-1. Therefore, to save the Border-Gavaskar Trophy, India needs a victory at Sydney Cricket Ground.