Indian star Jasprit Bumrah is a ‘doubt’ for the clash at the Gabba with former Aussie bowler Damien Fleming questioning why the quick bowled in the second innings in Adelaide when he was suffering. Bumrah reportedly missed a training session as he spent time with the fitness and conditioning coach ahead of the third Test in Brisbane with the series at 1-1.
South African cricket great, and current Indian assistant coach, Morne Morkel attempted to quell doubts over his participation having claimed Bumrah was only suffering from cramp in the second innings against Australia in Adelaide. This is despite the fast bowler not training with the main group this week.
While India are trying to downplay the Indian star’s availability concern, former Aussie fast bowler Fleming has questioned why India pushed Bumrah when Australia only needed a handful of runs. Australia won by 10 wickets in Adelaide with Nathan McSweeney and Usman Khawaja scoring just 19 runs in the second innings to secure the victory in the pink-ball Test. And Bumrah was seen bowling in the second innings when he was clearly struggling with his condition.
Bumrah bowled 20 overs in the first innings and needed treatment after struggling in the heat. Bumrah was seen stretching his leg as Indian fans worried about his condition.
He was then used in the second innings for an over and appeared ginger. And Fleming has questioned why India bowled Bumrah when he was clearly struggling and Australia needed so few runs.
“There’s got to be some serious doubts,” Fleming said on Bumrah’s availability for the next Test on SEN Radio. “Siraj might be workload (related) but I’m bemused Bumrah bowled that over. They could have hid this. They showed their hand.
“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 second innings. I don’t even know why he bowled that over (in the second innings). That actually gave some secrets away to everyone.” Missing Bumrah in Brisbane would be a major blow considering he is the leading wicket-taker of the series so far with 12 wickets at 11.25.
Mohammed Siraj and Travis Head punished
While Bumrah and Josh Hazlewood’s availability will be the main talking points before the first ball on Saturday, Travis Head and quick Mohammed Siraj will also be a story to follow. Both men were reprimanded by the ICC for breaching the code of conduct after a war-of-words erupted after the batter’s dismissal.
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Head only received an official reprimand, while Siraj was fined 20 per cent of his match fee, with both players given one demerit point on their official records as well. Siraj was found to have breached article 2.5 of the code, which relates to “using language, actions or gestures which disparage or which could provoke an aggressive reaction from a batter upon dismissal”.
Head was found to have breached article 2.13, which relates to the “abuse of a player, player support personnel, umpire or match referee”. India are reportedly frustrated Siraj’s punishment was worse than Head’s. Regardless, the battle between the pair will be a talking point heading into the third Test with Head coming out on top after his century in Adelaide.
