SYDNEY: Indian fast bowler and stand-in captain Jasprit Bumrah on Saturday left the Sydney Cricket Ground (SCG) during the final Test in his training kit, sparking concerns over a potential injury.
Bumrah, who played a key role with the bat, scoring 22 runs off 17 balls on Friday, was accompanied by the team doctor and security liaison officer as he left the ground.
The 31-year-old had been in top form, taking 32 wickets in the ongoing five-match series, before his sudden departure.
His injury scare came after he removed Australia's Marnus Labuschagne for just 2 runs in the fourth over of the morning session.
Speaking on Fox Cricket, former cricketers Adam Gilchrist and Kerry O’Keeffe voiced their concerns over the situation.
Gilchrist noted, “He just bowled that one over after lunch, and at that point, he decided to leave the ground."
“It’s such a shame, and the body language and lack of enthusiasm and voice from India since that moment—it’s quite obvious something is amiss here. That would be devastating, not just for this Test match but also for the outcome of this series," he added.
“That’s huge news," Kerry O’Keeffe said.
The incident has sent shock waves through the cricket world, with former cricketers like Ravi Shastri and Brett Lee acknowledging the significant impact this could have on the series.
“This could have a massive bearing on the series,” Shastri remarked, while Lee added, “It’s horrible news, isn’t it? That’s a massive moment in this series.”
The ongoing final Test has been a mixed fortune for both sides.
India, who batted first, was bundled out for 185 runs in the first innings.
The Australian team also had a rough day with the bat, as the whole team was dismissed for 181 runs.
India is currently batting with a lead of over 100 runs, with four wickets down, aiming to level the ongoing series 2-2 after a heavy defeat in the Boxing Day Test.
- Jasprit Bumrah