Indian cricket fans were left anxious on Day 2 of the Sydney Test against Australia after Jasprit Bumrah, the team’s stand-in captain, left the field unexpectedly. The ace pacer, who had been in top form throughout the series, bowled only one over in the second session before being accompanied by medical staff to a nearby hospital for scans.
Later in the day, pacer Prasidh Krishna addressed the media, confirming that Bumrah was experiencing a back spasm. “Jasprit Bumrah has a back spasm. The medical team is monitoring him, and we’ll see how things progress,” Krishna stated. Although further details about the injury remain unclear, concerns are mounting regarding Bumrah’s availability for the remainder of the match.
Bumrah’s Absence a Major Setback
Bumrah has been the linchpin of India’s bowling attack in the series, leading the wicket-takers with an impressive 32 scalps. His consistent performances with the ball have kept Australia under pressure, and his quickfire 22 off 17 balls in India’s first innings helped the team post a competitive total of 185.
With the series on the line, Bumrah’s absence is a significant blow for the visitors, as he has been their most reliable bowler. If he remains sidelined, Virat Kohli will continue to shoulder the captaincy responsibilities for the remainder of the match.
India Builds a Lead Despite Setbacks
India ended Day 2 with a lead of 145 runs, finishing at 141/6 in their second innings. All-rounders Ravindra Jadeja and Washington Sundar will look to extend the lead beyond 200, setting a challenging target for the hosts.
Earlier in the match, the Indian bowlers performed admirably, dismissing Australia for 181 in their first innings. Despite Bumrah’s absence, India’s bowlers and batters have kept the team in a strong position to push for a series-clinching win.
Australia Looks to Fight Back
Australia will aim to capitalize on any advantage they can gain, especially with Bumrah’s fitness under question. However, with India holding a solid lead, the pressure will be on the hosts to turn the game around.
As the series hangs in the balance, the Indian team management will be hoping for a speedy recovery for Bumrah, whose contributions with both bat and ball have been vital. His availability for the final innings could prove crucial in determining the outcome of this tightly contested Test match.
