India’s pace attack for the three-Test home series against South Africa was dented in a big way, with Jasprit Bumrah rendered hors de combat because of a lower back issue.
There was a lot of excitement with the 25-year-old Gujarat speed merchant — who has taken 62 wickets at 19.24 in 12 overseas Tests — all set to make his Test debut in a home series in the first Test in Visakhapatnam starting on Oct. 2.
India’s next home series is against Bangladesh in Indore (Nov. 14-18). Bumrah has been replaced by Umesh Yadav.
Bumrah has not played competitive cricket after returning from the West Indies.
Not in danger zone
It has been said that the lower back issue is not in the “danger zone” and although he was in slight discomfort after the Antigua Test, he played the Jamaica Test only because he was bowling well and among wickets.
The team-management, selection committee and the BCCI have decided to give him sufficient rest.
Minor stress fracture
A BCCI press release signed by chairman of the senior national selection committee, M.S.K. Prasad said: “Jasprit Bumrah has sustained a minor stress fracture in his lower back and has been ruled out of the upcoming Paytm Freedom Series for the Gandhi-Mandela Trophy against South Africa.
The injury was detected during a routine radiological screening. He will undergo rehabilitation at the Bengaluru-based National Cricket Academy. He will be monitored by the BCCI medical team.”
Bumrah has been the game-changer for India in the two-Test series against the West Indies in Antigua and Jamaica.
He was also the highest wicket-taker in the series with 13 victims at 9.23 (five for seven in the second innings in Antigua & six for 31 in the first innings in Jamaica).
While Bumrah will get the benefit of full rest before the two-Test series against Bangladesh, it is understood that the BCCI is trying to find a long-term solution for Hardik Pandya’s back that keeps flaring up on and off.
