Injury cloud over Bumrah ahead of final Test
Sydney, Australia - India's tryst with injuries continues as they look to put together a fit XI for the series decider at The Gabba.
A day after Ravindra Jadeja was ruled out of the tour on Monday, and it emerged that Hanuma Vihari (right hamstring injury) and R Ashwin (back tweak) batted through pain to save the Sydney Test, there is an injury cloud over Jasprit Bumrah ahead of the fourth and final Test starting January 15.
Bumrah was seen clutching his abdomen repeatedly during Australia's second innings on the third day's play in Sydney. He even left the field once for medical attention. However, he bowled 25 overs in all, in a total of 87 overs that India sent down before Australia declared.
While the physio may have to work overtime to get him ready, India's already inexperienced attack will further be depleted if he is ruled out.
If that happens, Mohammed Siraj - all of two Tests old - will be the spearhead, alongside Navdeep Saini and one of the uncapped T Natarajan or Shardul Thakur.
India have one other reserve fast bowler in the squad - rookie Kartik Tyagi - who has been used as a net bowler. Tyagi, however, featured in the first warm-up fixture.
Meanwhile, if Ashwin too is deemed unfit, India may have to turn to Kuldeep Yadav, the left-arm wrist-spinner, or allrounder Washington Sundar, who stayed back to assist the side after being part of India's T20I series win in December.
Pucovski in doubt
Also, Australian opener Will Pucovski is in doubt for the fourth Test, with Cricket Australia (CA) confirming on Tuesday that the opener dislocated his shoulder while fielding in Sydney.
"Pucovski suffered a shoulder subluxation injury while diving in the field on day five," CA said in a statement. "He will continue rest and rehabilitation over the next two days before a decision is made on his fitness for the fourth Test match."
The teams flew to Brisbane on Tuesday with the four-Test series tied at 1-1 ahead of final game at The Gabba starting on Friday.