India’s star pacer Jasprit Bumrah suffered a back spasm during the fifth Test match against Australia in Sydney. Despite being the leading wicket-taker with 32 wickets in the series, Bumrah couldn’t bowl in the second innings due to injury, raising concerns about his fitness for upcoming matches, including the England white-ball series and the much-anticipated ICC Champions Trophy 2025.
What Happened During the Australia Series?
Bumrah’s workload during the Border-Gavaskar Trophy was enormous:
| Test Match | Overs Bowled | Wickets Taken |
|---|---|---|
| 1st Test (Adelaide) | 30 | 8 |
| 2nd Test (Brisbane) | 24 | 5 |
| 3rd Test (Melbourne) | 53.2 | 11 |
| 4th Test (Sydney) | 10 (before injury) | 8 |
Despite leading India’s bowling attack and even captaining in the final Test, Bumrah’s injury forced him to leave the field during the second innings of the Sydney Test.
Ricky Ponting and Experts’ Take on Bumrah’s Injury
Former Australian captain Ricky Ponting speculated that Bumrah might have undergone injections rather than just scans for back spasms. Ponting expressed concerns, stating, “Running up the stairs and leaving the field doesn’t seem like symptoms of back spasms.” This has fueled speculation about the severity of Bumrah’s injury.
Similarly, senior journalist Peter Lalor suggested that Bumrah might have taken a cortisone injection, a treatment often used for severe inflammation.
Will Bumrah Play in the England Series?
The BCCI has not yet released an official update on Bumrah’s fitness. However, sources indicate that Bumrah may be rested for the majority of the home white-ball series against England, scheduled to begin on January 22, 2025. This decision is likely to ensure his full recovery before the ICC Champions Trophy, starting February 19, 2025, in Dubai.
| England Series Schedule | Match Type | Dates |
|---|---|---|
| 5 T20 Internationals | T20I | January 22 – 30 |
| 3 One-Day Internationals | ODI | February 8 – 12 |
Read Also:- Champions Trophy 2025 India Squad Players List
Previous Back Injuries: A Recurring Concern
This isn’t the first time Jasprit Bumrah has faced a back injury. In 2022, he suffered a similar back spasm, which later aggravated into a serious injury, sidelining him for almost a year. Considering the recurrence, experts suggest resting him during the England series, even if he is declared fit.
Importance of Bumrah for the ICC Champions Trophy
Bumrah’s presence in the ICC Champions Trophy is crucial for India’s campaign, especially on the Dubai pitches, which favor bowlers who can generate pace and bounce. With his impressive performance in previous ICC events (20 wickets in the 2023 World Cup and 15 wickets in the 2024 T20 World Cup), Bumrah is India’s key weapon.
| Tournament | Wickets Taken | Role |
|---|---|---|
| ICC World Cup 2023 | 20 | Lead pacer |
| ICC T20 World Cup 2024 | 15 | Strike bowler |
Given Bumrah’s history of back injuries and the high workload during the Australia series, it seems prudent for the BCCI to rest him during the England series. Ensuring a fully fit Bumrah for the ICC Champions Trophy is critical for India’s chances in the tournament.
As of now, Bumrah remains under medical observation, and a final call on his participation in the England series will be taken after further evaluation.
