The Indian cricket team has received a major boost ahead of their upcoming red-ball assignment, as pace spearhead Jasprit Bumrah has been officially cleared to play in the two-Test series against Sri Lanka next month. The fast bowler successfully passed his mandatory fitness tests conducted at the BCCI's Centre of Excellence (COE) in Bengaluru.
Bumrah had originally been named in the Test squad subject to fitness clearance. The pacer sustained an impact injury during India's recent ODI series in England, which forced him to sit out the third and final match of that series at Lord's.
However, after undergoing rehabilitation at the COE, the premier fast bowler has proved his match fitness and is ready to take the field.
"Jasprit Bumrah has recovered
from his impact injury. He has cleared the fitness Tests mandated by the COE. Hopefully he will be available for both games as he is integral to the team's plans," a senior BCCI official told PTI on conditions of anonymity.
Crucial Addition for the World Test Championship
Bumrah's return comes as a massive relief for the team management, especially considering the stakes involved. India currently needs to win seven out of their remaining nine Test matches in this World Test Championship (WTC) cycle to keep their hopes alive for a spot in the summit clash.
Securing a 2-0 series victory against the islanders is critical before the Indian side leave for New Zealand on a highly challenging away tour later this year.
Overcoming an Injury Crisis
The pace spearhead's availability is particularly reassuring given the current injury crisis plaguing the Indian dressing room. The team is already dealing with a heavily depleted bowling lineup.
Promising fast bowlers Harshit Rana and Nitish Reddy have been ruled out of action due to hamstring and quadriceps injuries, respectively. Furthermore, spin-bowling all-rounder Washington Sundar will miss the opening Test with a hamstring injury, while pacer Akash Deep remains sidelined for an extended period owing to stress reactions in his back.
Series Schedule
The Indian team will play a four-day practice match in Colombo starting August 7 to acclimatize to the local conditions. Following the warm-up fixture, the two-match Test series against Sri Lanka will kick off on August 15 at the Galle International Stadium. The second and final Test will be played in Colombo, starting August 23.
With Bumrah back to full rhythm and ready to lead the pace battery alongside Mohammed Siraj, India will be eager to begin this crucial phase of their WTC campaign on a dominant note.
