Jasprit Bumrah out of Brisbane Test

Team India’s pace spearhead Jasprit Bumrah has been ruled out of the Brisbane Test owing to abdominal strain which he sustained during Sydney Test while fielding. Press Trust of India confirmed the same quoting, “The injury-ravaged Indian team was dealt another blow on Tuesday as pace spearhead Jasprit Bumrah was ruled out of the fourth Test against Australia due to an abdominal strain”.

“Jasprit Bumrah suffered an abdominal strain while fielding in Sydney. He is going to sit out of the Brisbane Test but is expected to be available against England,” a BCCI source told PTI.

Team India is already handicapped with the absence of Virat Kohli, Mohammed Shami, Ravindra Jadeja and Hanuma Vihari. This latest blow comes as a sinking blow as Bumrah is a key part of Indian bowling attack.

With Bumrah gone, India is left with back up options of T Natarajan and Shardul Thakur. Natarajan who traveled with Team India as a net bowler has climbed up the ranks after being selected in squads of all formats in Australia. Shardul Thakur who boasts a decent First Class record of 206 wickets in 62 matches – made his Test debut for Team India in Hyderabad against West Indies in 2018, but it lasted just 10 deliveries due to injury.

Jasprit Bumrah has become a integral part of red ball cricket in his short career – spanning 17 Tests in which he picked 79 wickets at a brilliant average of 21.59. He already claimed five 5 wicket hauls to his name. Bumrah is the joint 3rd highest wicket taker in the ongoing series with 11 wickets alongside Josh Hazlewood. His absence is certainly going Team India’s morale.

Team India will take on Australia in the fourth Test match at Brisbane on January 15, 2021. Telecast starts from 5am IST.