Mon Jan 06 06:32:20 UTC 2025: ## Bumrah’s Back Spasm Jeopardizes England Series, Champions Trophy Participation
**Mumbai, India** – Indian pace spearhead Jasprit Bumrah is facing a potential extended absence from the upcoming home series against England due to a back spasm suffered during the recently concluded Border-Gavaskar Trophy. The injury, sustained after bowling over 150 overs in the Australia series, raises serious concerns about his availability for the crucial ICC Champions Trophy, starting February 19th.
Bumrah, who was India’s leading wicket-taker in the Australia series with 32 scalps, is likely to be rested for most, if not all, of the white-ball matches against England. The severity of the injury is yet to be determined, but recovery time could range from a few weeks (Grade 1) to three months (Grade 3). The BCCI medical team is focused on ensuring Bumrah’s fitness for the Champions Trophy, where his participation is considered vital for India’s chances.
India’s opening Champions Trophy match is against Bangladesh on February 20th in Dubai. While Bumrah’s participation in the T20I series against England was already unlikely, his ODI appearances now hang in the balance. He might potentially feature in only the final ODI in Ahmedabad on February 12th as a fitness test. The five T20Is and three ODIs against England begin on January 22nd. The extent of Bumrah’s participation will depend entirely on the assessment of his back injury.
First Piper 