Bumrah's Back Spasm Casts Doubt on India's Bowling Attack in Fifth Test

Bumrah's Back Spasm Casts Doubt on India's Bowling Attack

India's hopes of retaining the Border-Gavaskar Trophy hang in the balance as star bowler Jasprit Bumrah's availability for the remainder of the fifth Test remains uncertain.

Bumrah, arguably the best player on either side this series, left the field with back spasms during the second session on day two. He bowled just one over before being driven away from the SCG in an ambulance for scans.

The Indian medical team is monitoring Bumrah's condition, and his participation in the rest of the match remains unclear.

"He had a back spasm," fellow quick Prasidh Krishna said. "He has gone for scans so the medical team is monitoring. We'll know [whether he will keep playing] when the medical team gets back to us."

Bumrah's absence would be a significant blow to India's chances of winning in Sydney and drawing the series 2-2. His speed was noticeably down in the over he bowled on Saturday, suggesting the grueling first four Tests may be taking their toll.

Bumrah has bowled the most overs for India in the series (151) and has been instrumental in keeping them in the hunt for the Border-Gavaskar Trophy. His 32 wickets at an average of 13.06 are the most of any Indian quick in a single series.

India's reliance on Bumrah has been further amplified by the absence of Mohammed Shami, who has been sidelined with knee and ankle injuries throughout the series.

Bumrah's exit on Saturday left former Test captain Virat Kohli to lead the Indian side during Australia's first innings, with regular skipper Rohit Sharma out of the team.

"No matter who is leading, as a team, we prepare really well about what we need to be doing," Prasidh said. "The plan was pretty clear even when Virat was on."

Bumrah had taken 2-33 from his 10 overs before his injury, dismissing Usman Khawaja (2) on the last ball of day one and Marnus Labuschagne (2) cheaply.

India will be hoping for positive news on Bumrah's condition as they aim to level the series in Sydney.