Sun Jan 05 09:32:34 UTC 2025: ## Bumrah’s Back Injury Sidelines Him Despite Batting Appearance in Sydney Test
**Sydney, Australia:** Indian captain Jasprit Bumrah’s absence from the bowling attack on day three of the Sydney Test against Australia has left fans and experts questioning his fitness. Despite batting briefly (and getting out for a duck), Bumrah did not bowl, raising concerns about a recurrence of his persistent back problems.
Bumrah had left the field on day two complaining of back spasms after bowling 10 overs. He underwent scans and was subsequently ruled out of bowling for the remainder of the match. While he did participate in pre-match warm-ups on day three, he appeared uncomfortable and ultimately did not take the field. While batting doesn’t require the same exertion as bowling, the strain proved too much for his injured back.
The injury is a significant blow to India, as Bumrah had been the standout performer of the series, taking a record-breaking 32 wickets in the Border-Gavaskar Trophy. This surpasses Bishan Singh Bedi’s record of 31 wickets in an Australian tour (1977-78), making Bumrah the highest wicket-taker in a Test series overseas.
The BCCI has yet to release an official statement on the severity of Bumrah’s injury. However, reports suggest the injury is a setback given his history of back problems, including surgery in 2023 that kept him out for nearly a year and a stress fracture in 2019. His continued struggles with back pain raise serious concerns about his long-term availability for India.
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