The Indian team is currently tensed over their stand-in captain Jasprit Bumrah as he had to leave the fifth and final match of the ongoing Border-Gavaskar Trophy 2024-25 on Day 3 due to a back injury. The legendary pacer was suffering from back issues on Day 2, which caused him to leave the ground in order to go for scans.
Bumrah is currently the highest wicket-taker in the five-match Test series. He is unplayable for the Australians in the ongoing series. Former Indian cricketer Sanjay Bangar believes that if Bumrah was not fit them a lead of 200 runs won’t be enough for India.
“I think there is a difference of 50 runs, without Jasprit Bumrah you have to put 230-240 runs on the board and with Jasprit Bumrah I think somewhere around 180 will be quite challenging for Australia. One thing that liked was, when he came back after the scan, obviously it took a lot of time because the hospital is a bit far, he looked in good shape and his body language was such that there was no indication for the Australian team and it is very important to maintain the secrecy,” said Bangar on Star Sports.
Bangar has praised the decision of Indian management to not open up about the pacer’s availability for Day 3 of the Sydney Test, stating that the Australian batters are yet to find a way by which they can face Bumrah’s bowling.
“Because, tactically you do not want to announce whether Jasprit Bumrah will be available for bowling or not and even if he is not available and this news goes across the oppositions dressing room, because till now Australian batsmen haven’t found out a way to counter him they don’t know whether they should attack, defend, or whether they should play on front-foot. So to execute this plan it is important to maintain secrecy, so Jasprit Bumrah and the Indian team management managed it quite well!” added Bangar.
Coming to the match, India reached 141 for six when stumps got called on Day 2 as Australia was wrapped up for 181 on the second Day of the final Test of the series.
Scores
India 1st innings: 185- all out
Australia 1st innings: 181- all out
India 2nd innings: 141/6 in 32 overs after Day 2
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