January 4, 2025

Bumrah Departs Midway Through Day Two, Expected to Undergo Scans

India’s captain, Jasprit Bumrah, left the field after bowling just one over post-lunch on the second day of the New Year’s Test in Sydney, sparking concerns about his fitness. Just after 2pm local time, Bumrah was seen out of his Test whites, walking out of the dressing room accompanied by the team doctor and a security officer.

There have been ongoing concerns about Bumrah’s workload during this tour, with the bowler having already bowled 152.1 overs across nine innings, claiming 32 wickets at an impressive average of 13.06. Bumrah recently surpassed Bishan Bedi’s record for most wickets by an Indian bowler on an Australian tour and is steadily climbing the all-time wicket charts.

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Bumrah’s Fitness Concerns Raise Questions During Sydney Test

Jasprit Bumrah spent three of the last five overs in the morning session off the field and had only just returned for the final two overs before lunch. After the break, he resumed his bowling and started by beating Alex Carey’s bat with his first delivery. However, it was clear that his pace had dropped, with his speeds ranging from the low 120s to the early 130s kph. After bowling that over, Bumrah immediately left the field and was later seen leaving the SCG in a car, raising concerns over his fitness.

At the conclusion of the Melbourne Test, where Bumrah bowled a hefty 52 overs, India captain Rohit Sharma had expressed worries over over-bowling him. Without a designated vice-captain, Bumrah had stepped up to lead the team when Rohit chose to sit out the final Test match due to his poor form. As a result, Virat Kohli appeared to have taken over the leadership for the middle session of day two. With the Sydney Test being crucial for India to retain the Border-Gavaskar Trophy, these developments have added to the pressure.

Rohit had previously mentioned the team’s efforts to manage Bumrah’s workload, recognizing the importance of preserving his fitness. “If somebody is in such great form, you want to maximize that form as much as you can,” Rohit had said, acknowledging Bumrah’s crucial role. “But there comes a time when you need to step back and give him that extra breather.” This careful management of Bumrah’s workload is even more critical after his recovery from a stress fracture of the back, which kept him out of action for much of 2022.

Handscomb a Leading Contender for Test Recall on Sri Lanka Tour

Peter Handscomb is emerging as a strong contender for a spot in Australia’s squad for their upcoming Test tour of Sri Lanka. The Victoria batter has joined the Australian team in Sydney for the final match of the India series, serving as a substitute fielder. As Handscomb does not have a BBL contract, he is free to join the squad and will be in Sydney throughout the final Test. He will be accompanied by spinners Todd Murphy and Matthew Kuhnemann, both of whom are also likely to be part of the Sri Lanka tour. The official squad for the tour is expected to be announced shortly after the conclusion of the India series.

Handscomb’s last appearance for Australia came during the 2023 tour of India, where he played in all four matches and showcased his skills against spin. Known for his ability to handle subcontinent conditions, Handscomb scored 145 runs, including a crucial 72 not out in Delhi, a match where Australia was on track to win before a second-innings collapse. Despite his success in India, Handscomb has expressed a desire to not be pigeonholed as a subcontinent specialist. He aims to play in home Tests as well, preferring conditions that allow him to play shots like cuts and pulls.

While Handscomb’s expertise in playing spin is an asset for the Sri Lanka tour, he has made it clear that he values the opportunity to bat in Australia as well. In a 2022 interview with cricket.com.au, he noted that while his ability against spin has helped him secure spots on subcontinent tours, he also enjoys the challenge of batting in fast, bouncy conditions in Australia. As Australia plans their squad for Sri Lanka, Handscomb’s versatility could be key, particularly if there is a vacancy in the middle order. Travis Head has been earmarked to open the batting, and the inclusion of Sam Konstas in the Test side may also affect the lineup.

Handscomb’s recent form has been impressive, with a prolific 2024 in both Australian and English first-class cricket. He was the fifth-highest run-scorer worldwide and has made 478 runs at an average of 47.80 in the ongoing Sheffield Shield season. Despite being overlooked for the Australia A-India A four-day matches earlier this season, selectors seem to be familiar with Handscomb’s abilities. His 20 Test matches have seen him average 37.20, with his debut dating back to 2016. As Australia eyes a spot in the World Test Championship final, Handscomb’s potential inclusion in the Sri Lanka tour could be pivotal for the team’s balance. If Australia wins the ongoing Sydney Test, they will secure their place in the final against South Africa. Otherwise, a victory in one of the Tests in Galle would be needed.

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