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Former Australian pacer Damien Fleming has raised concerns about the fitness of Indian fast bowler Jasprit Bumrah following his performance in the second Test of the 2024-25 Border-Gavaskar Trophy at Adelaide Oval.
Damien Fleming questions Jasprit Bumrah’s fitness
Fleming’s observations, shared during a segment on SEN Radio, suggest that Bumrah’s discomfort might stem from more than just cramping.
“There’s no way that’s cramp. He looked very ginger after the break in the first innings,” Fleming remarked. “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.”
Bumrah’s struggle with pace and fitness
Bumrah’s fitness became a topic of discussion during Australia’s first innings in the day-night Test when he required medical attention. Although he returned to bowl a few overs and opened the attack in the second innings, his pace was noticeably down. Typically clocking speeds in the high 140 km/h range, Bumrah was bowling in the early 130 km/h range, fuelling speculation about his physical condition.
With Australia needing just 18 runs in their second innings to secure a win, questions now arose about Rohit Sharma’s decision to bowl Bumrah in such a low-pressure scenario. Fleming criticized this move, suggesting it unnecessarily exposed a potential weakness.
“Siraj might be workload, but I’m bemused Bumrah bowled that over. They could have hidden this. Instead, they showed their hand,” Fleming added, hinting that it might have been a strategic mis-step.
Also READ: AUS vs IND – Morne Morkel highlights Indian bowlers’ mistakes after massive defeat in Pink Ball Test
Indian bowlers under pressure
India’s batting struggles have placed a heavy burden on the bowlers, particularly Bumrah and Mohammed Siraj. The lack of substantial scores from the batting unit has left the bowlers with the dual responsibility of breaking partnerships and containing a dominant Australian side.
Bumrah’s role in India’s attack is critical, making his fitness a top priority for the team management.
Ahead of the third Test of the 2024-25 Border-Gavaskar Trophy at The Gabba, Bumrah and Siraj skipped a crucial training session in Brisbane. Skipping practice may be a deliberate strategy to keep Bumrah and Siraj fit and prepared for the demanding matches ahead. With the third Test set to commence on December 14, the Indian team is prioritizing the freshness and optimal condition of their key bowlers for the rest of the series.
