New Delhi: India received a big boost ahead of the two-match Test series against Sri Lanka after star fast bowler Jasprit Bumrah was declared fit to play
in two crucial matches. According to a PTI report, Bumrah has been cleared by the BCCI’s Centre of Excellence (CoE) in Bengaluru after recovering from the injury that he suffered during the ODI series againstEngland.
The pacer had missed the final ODI at Lord’s after sustaining the injury and was included in India’s squad for the Sri Lanka Test series subject to clearing his fitness assessment. His availability comes at a crucial time for the Men in Blue, who are already dealing with several injury problems ahead of the series, starting in Galle on August 15.
“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 condition of anonymity.
Major boost for India
Bumrah’s return strengthens India’s fast bowling attack at an important stage of the World Test Championship cycle. The Men in Blue are currently placed fifth in the WTC standings, just one spot above Sri Lanka, and need to win the remaining games to stay in contention for a spot in the 2027 final.
India’s preparations for the series have already been affected by a string of injuries. Harshit Rana has been sidelined with a hamstring injury, while all-rounder Nitish Reddy is recovering from a quadriceps issue.
Bumrah and Ravindra Jadeja have returned to the Test setup after being rested for India’s one-off Test match against Afghanistan in June. The opening Test match of the series will be played in Galle from August 15, followed by the second in Colombo from August 23.
India Squad for Sri Lanka Test series
Shubman Gill (C), KL Rahul, Yashasvi Jaiswal, Rishabh Pant, Sai Sudharsan, Dhruv Jurel, Ravindra Jadeja, Kuldeep Yadav, Manav Suthar, Jasprit Bumrah, Mohammed Siraj, Prasidh Krishna, Gurnoor Brar, Devdutt Padikkal, Saransh Jain.
