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After a thrilling first game between India and Australia in Mohali, the cricket enthusiasts eagerly awaited the second ODI of the three-match series. However, they were taken aback by the exclusion of two key fast bowlers in the form of Jasprit Bumrah and Pat Cummins from their respective teams’ line-ups for the game in Indore. The omission of these two world-class pacers raised many questions and left fans wondering. On that note, let’s delve into the details of why Bumrah and Cummins are not playing today’s game.
Jasprit Bumrah’s Absence
During the toss ceremony, India’s stand-in captain, KL Rahul, revealed that Bumrah would not be part of the playing XI for the second ODI. Rahul explained that the Prasidh Krishna has replaced the fiery India pacer.
“We only have one change from the last game. Jasprit is rested, Prasidh comes in,” said Rahul.
BCCI issues reason behind Jasprit Bumrah’s unavailability
The official statement from the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) clarified Bumrah’s absence, stating that he had not travelled with the team to Indore for the 2nd ODI as he had taken a short break to visit his family. The BCCI also confirmed that fast bowler Mukesh Kumar had joined the team as Bumrah’s replacement for the 2nd ODI. Bumrah is expected to rejoin the team for the final ODI in Rajkot.
“Mr Jasprit Bumrah did not travel with the team to Indore for the 2nd ODI against Australia. He has gone to visit his family and given a short break by the team management. Fast bowler Mukesh Kumar has joined the team as Bumrah’s replacement for the 2nd ODI. Bumrah will join the team for the final ODI in Rajkot,” BCCI wrote on their official X account.
It is essential to note that Bumrah had recently become a father, and he also previously missed India’s game against Nepal at the Asia Cup 2023 to be present with his wife during the birth of their first child.
India’s playing XI for 2nd ODI: Shubman Gill, Ruturaj Gaikwad, Shreyas Iyer, KL Rahul (c & wk), Ishan Kishan, Suryakumar Yadav, Ravindra Jadeja, Ravichandran Ashwin, Shardul Thakur, Mohammed Shami, Prasidh Krishna
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Reason behind Pat Cummins’ omission and other two changes in Australian line-up
On the Australian side, there were three overall changes as Cummins, Mitchell Marsh and Marcus Stoinis were rested. Aussie skipper Cummins’ omission came as a big surprise for many. Nevertheless, Steve Smith stepped in to lead the team for today’s match.
Informing about the changes, Smith said that it’s a strategic move considering the upcoming ODI World Cup 2023 as they want to try different combinations. He further added that debutant Spencer Johnson, Josh Hazlewood and Alex Carey have come in for Cummins, Marsh and Stoinis.
“It’s important we keep working towards that (WC). We want to win but we also want to try out few different combinations. India played really well the other night. Good opportunity for us to bounce back. We’ve got a few changes. Spencer Johnson makes his debut, Josh Hazlewood is back, Carey is back as well,” said Smith after winning the toss and opting to field first.
Australia’s playing XI for 2nd ODI: David Warner, Matthew Short, Steven Smith (c), Marnus Labuschagne, Josh Inglis, Alex Carey (wk), Cameron Green, Sean Abbott, Adam Zampa, Josh Hazlewood, Spencer Johnson
