Bumrah’s possible return on Day 3 offers hope for struggling India in Sydney Test

Bumrah's presence will be pivotal as India is precariously placed at 141 for six with an overall lead of just 145 against Australia in the fifth Test

Hyderabad: Skipper and ace pacer Jasprit Bumrah may reportedly be back in action on Day 3 of the Sydney Test, providing a much-needed boost to a struggling Indian side.

The 31-year-old, who has already claimed 32 wickets in the series, had figures of 2/33 in 10 overs on Day 2, including the key dismissal of Marnus Labuschagne in the morning session. However, Bumrah left the field post-lunch after bowling just one over, reportedly due to a back spasm.

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He is currently under observation by the Indian medical staff and is expected to take the field when required on Sunday. His presence will be pivotal as India, precariously placed at 141 for six with an overall lead of just 145 against Australia in the fifth 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,” said Prasidh Krishna during the post-day press conference.

Bumrah was away from the field for three hours and 20 minutes and senior batter Virat Kohli led the side in his absence. It may be recalled that Bumrah had suffered a lower back injury that kept him out of cricket for nearly one year between 2022 and 2023.

Bumrah spoke to Kohli before leaving the field and later official broadcasters showed him moving out of the venue with the team’s security liaison officer and the team doctor.