Physio gives verdict on when Jasprit Bumrah can bowl in Sydney Test

India’s chances of winning the fifth and final Test against Australia at the Sydney Cricket Ground largely rest on stand-in skipper Jasprit Bumrah’s availability on the remainder of the match.

India were 141/6 at the draw of stumps on second day, 145 runs ahead. Australia will have to chase.

Bumrah had left the field after taking a couple of wickets and went to the hospital for scans. He did not return to bowl even as India dismissed Australia for 181 runs, taking a four-run lead.

The 31-year-old had figures of 2/27 in nine overs and did not bowl after the 20th over when Australia were 66/4 and recuperating through Steve Smith and Beau Webster. Virat Kohli took over charge after his departure. 

“He had a back spasm. He had gone for scans. The medical team is monitoring him. So we will know [about the status] whenever the medical team gets back to us," said pace bowler Prasidh Krishna to media after the end of the day’s play.

It means that the public and media will get to know the extent of injury only after the medical team releases the results of the scan.

Back spasm doesn’t necessarily reveal whether he can bowl or not.

Parmeet Singh, who has worked as physiotherapist with many Ranji Trophy teams as well as international sides like United States of America, says it is too early to comment about his injury and availability during the remainder of the Test.

“Extent of the severity of the injury will be known only after scans. Unless we know the result of the scan, we can’t comment,” he said.

Explaining further about back spasms, Parmeet said that Bumrah can bowl if it is just a normal back spasm and can be treated through anti-inflammatory medicines.

“Back spasm means that the muscle length shortens to save itself from injury. If it is just a back spasm, and can be relieved by anti-inflammatory [medicine] he can still bowl,” said Parmeet.

“It appears to be a preventive scan. Because he has already undergone back surgery, they have to be careful with him.”

Parmeet, however, adds that he may not bowl if it is serious.

“If there is nerve impingement, disc bulge or stress fracture (for which he has already been treated), then he may not be able to bowl. A lot will rest on the scan result.”

The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI), the governing body of the game in the country, has not released anything beyond Prasidh Krishna’s quotes.

This goes with BCCI’s approach towards releasing details of injuries and other matters. It is an opaque body as we have seen over the years and the medical briefing is very vague.

Tags : Jasprit Bumrah, India, Australia, Border Gavaskar Trophy, Sydney, Steve Smith, Virat Kohli