Sat Jan 04 13:32:37 UTC 2025: ## Bumrah’s Back Spasm Casts Doubt Over India’s Sydney Test Hopes
**Sydney, Australia –** India’s hopes of winning the fifth and final Test against Australia and retaining the Border-Gavaskar Trophy suffered a blow on Day 2 after stand-in captain Jasprit Bumrah experienced a back spasm. The star pacer bowled only one over after lunch before being withdrawn and sent for scans at a local hospital.
While initial reports suggested the injury was precautionary, teammate Prasidh Krishna confirmed Bumrah suffered a back spasm and his availability for Day 3 remains uncertain. “He had a back spasm. He had gone for scans. The medical team is monitoring him,” Krishna told reporters. A *Times of India* report indicated Bumrah is expected to be fit to bat, but a decision on his bowling participation will depend on his condition Sunday morning.
Despite Bumrah’s absence, India’s pace attack stepped up, with Krishna (3-42), Mohammed Siraj (3-51), and Nitish Kumar Reddy (2-32) combining to dismiss Australia for 181 in response to India’s first-innings 185. Rishabh Pant’s quickfire 50 helped India extend their lead to four runs before stumps, leaving the score at 141-6.
Australia currently leads the series 2-1. India must win the Sydney Test to avoid losing the Border-Gavaskar Trophy. The extent of Bumrah’s injury and his participation in the remaining days of the match will be crucial to India’s chances.
First Piper 