Ahead of the important Border Gavaskar Trophy (BGT), it was widely acknowledged that Jasprit Bumrah would need to be in peak form for India to secure victory. In Perth, Bumrah delivered a standout performance, restricting the Australian batters and playing a key role in India’s dominating 295-run triumph. He also made history by becoming the first visiting captain to lead a Test win at Optus Stadium in Perth.
However, Bumrah found himself under considerable pressure. In the absence of right arm pacer Mohammed Shami, he was required to shoulder a significant portion of the workload. With the likes of Harshit Rana and Akash Deep lacking sufficient international experience, it was inevitable that Bumrah would have to assume greater responsibility and compensate for the inexperience within the rest of the pace attack.
In Adelaide, Bumrah once again rose to the occasion, claiming four wickets, including that of Steve Smith, one of the finest in the test cricket. However, the pacer did feel some pressure on Day 2, not due to his performance with the ball, but because of the physical toll his body had endured over the past two weeks.
In the 81st over of the Australian innings, following India’s decision to take the second new ball, Bumrah experienced a slight injury concern. The pacer appeared to be in some discomfort while delivering his 20th over. Ravi Shastri, India’s former head coach who’s currently in the commentary box for the BGT, noted that Bumrah was gripping his adductor muscle. However, Bumrah quickly recovered, getting to his feet and receiving treatment from the team physio.
Although Bumrah continued his bowling, the question is whether he can sustain the same workload throughout the series. Even for a fast bowler of Bumrah’s quality, maintaining such intensity is undoubtedly demanding. The level of workload was particularly noticeable on Day 1 at the Adelaide Oval, where he bowled 11 out of 33 overs. Bumrah urgently requires a colleague to help shoulder his workload and provide him with some relief.
Is Shami fit for the Brisbane Test?
Bumrah would greatly welcome Shami’s inclusion in the Indian squad. The key question, however, is when would be the right moment to bring Shami into the fold? The fast bowler has not featured for the national team since the ODI World Cup final in November 2023, when India played Australia at the Narendra Modi Stadium.
He recently made his return to competitive cricket in the Ranji Trophy, followed by representing Bengal in the Syed Mushtaq Ali T20 Trophy, where he took eight wickets and looked in a good rhythm.
“Shami’s India kit has already been dispatched to Australia. He will complete the Mushtaq Ali Trophy T20 assignment and then leave,” a source said, adding that Shami’s “fitness certificate” a source stated.
Read more: Australia Level BGT Series with Thumping Win Over Hapless India
Jasir Basharat is a cricket enthusiast capturing the heart of the game through insightful analysis and storytelling sharing his passion for the sport through engaging narratives. He is a business graduate from University of Kashmir.
