The Aussies had clinched the Border-Gavaskar Trophy after a decade by winning the series 3-1 at the Sydney Cricket Ground (SCG). This win came at the back of speculations regarding the fitness of Indian skipper Jasprit Bumrah, who had left on the third day of the fifth Test.
The Indian camp first ascribed Bumrah’s absence to “back spasms”. Former Australian captain Ricky Ponting felt there might be something worse. “He ran off the field – not typical of back spasms”. Veteran journalist Peter Lalor broke the news that Bumrah was probably injected with cortisone and not scanned. He explained, “The SCG has scanning facilities”.
Bumrah, who underwent back surgery in 2023, has been India’s decisive force, taking 32 wickets in this series. In the absence of Bumrah, the Indian bowling fell apart on Day 3 as Australia chased the 162-run target with six wickets still in hand.
It was the first home series victory for Australia since the 56-year losing streak of losing the opening Test. Former coach Darren Lehmann commented, “Without Bumrah, India had little chance.”
India faces a very important call on Bumrah’s fitness in the lead-up to the Champions Trophy. According to Ponting, “India needs him fit not just for this game but for future challenges.”
Australia’s historic victory reigned back the much-coveted trophy and underlined, for many, at least, the importance of fitness and strategy in high-stakes cricket.
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Haider Shah