NEW DELHI: Former Australian pacer Damien Fleming has expressed doubts about the fitness of Jasprit Bumrah, suggesting that the Indian fast bowler might be dealing with more than just a cramp following his performance in the second Test of the Border-Gavaskar Trophy at Adelaide Oval.
“There’s no way that’s cramp. He was very ginger after the break in the first innings. He bowled again, not quite as slow in the second innings. I don’t even know why he bowled that over [in the second innings]. That actually gave some secrets away to everyone,” Fleming said while speaking on SEN Radio.
Border-Gavaskar Trophy
Fleming’s observations come after Bumrah needed medical attention during Australia’s first innings in pink-ball Test. Despite continuing to bowl few more overs and opening the attack in the second innings, his reduced pace and apparent discomfort raised questions.
Bumrah’s speeds in the second innings were notably down, hovering in the early 130 km/h range compared to his usual pace, fueling concerns about his physical condition.
India’s over dependence on Jasprit Bumrah visible in Adelaide
Adding to the speculation, Bumrah did not participate in India’s training sessions after the match, further intensifying doubts about his readiness for the upcoming Tests.
The second Test, a day-night affair, ended in just over two days as Australia chased down an 18-run target in 3.2 overs.
Fleming criticized the decision to have Bumrah bowl under such circumstances, hinting that it might have revealed a potential vulnerability. “Siraj might be workload [related], but I’m bemused Bumrah bowled that over. They could have hid this. They showed their hand,” Fleming added.
Rohit Sharma press conference after loss in Adelaide Test vs Australia
Indian skipper Rohit Sharma, while addressing the media after the match in Adelaide, played down concerns about Bumrah’s fitness, emphasizing workload management in a grueling five-Test series. “We want Bumrah to be fresh and play all five matches. It’s important to manage the bowlers,” Rohit had said.
With a longer-than-expected gap before the third Test in Brisbane due to the early conclusion of the Adelaide match, Bumrah has time to recover.