India's bowling spearhead Jasprit Bumrah suffered an injury during the final session on Day 1 of the Boxing Day Test in Melbourne. During the 75th of Australia's first innings on day one, Alex Carey hit a ball from Mohammed Siraj to right-mid off.
Jasprit Bumrah got to the ball but miscued to allow both Alex Carey and Steve Smith an extra run. India captain Rohit Sharma was disappointed with the effort, but Bumrah's potential injury concern was a bigger worry for India at the time.
The pacer seemed to face some problems on his end, while Bumrah took a few stretches at the end of the over as well. He received treatment from India's physiotherapist on his calf while the drinks break was called for. He quickly came off the field as he appeared to be experiencing cramps from the intense Melbourne heat.
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Watch: Jasprit Bumrah's injury raises tensions for Rohit Sharma
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— Drizzyat12Kennyat8 (@45kennyat7PM) December 26, 2024
The Melbourne heat was clearly taking its toll on the players and Bumrah seemed to be affected by it. The temperature reached 40 degrees regularly. Bumrah played the most no. of overs for India on Day 1, which took its toll on his body.
Jasprit Bumrah returns to the field
Jasprit Bumrah has been the best bowler for India in this series by a long distance. The 31-year-old is the spearhead of India's bowling attack and has almost single-handedly carried India's bowling attack so far.
His exit from the field was a huge blow for Rohit Sharma as he is a real player for his team. Bumrah was attended to by the physiotherapist and seemed fine to return after some time.
The star fast bowler returned to the field after 80 overs as India took the second new ball. Fast bowler Akash Deep struck with his first delivery of the new ball when he took the big wicket of Alex Carey, who was looking dangerous with his counter-attacking stroke.
Sam Konstas attacks Jasprit Bumrah
Meanwhile, Jasprit Bumrah had a rough session of the match as he was taken to the cleaners by debutant Sam Konstas. Bumrah started well with the new ball in his initial overs as he consistently troubled the Australian openers with his skill.
But unlike Nathan McSweeney, Sam Konstas decided to step on the gas despite the pressure of facing the best bowler in the world. Konstas tried to play unorthodox shots off Bumrah to derail his lines and lengths.
He initially failed to connect with his scoops but soon got his hands on one, to the delight of a packed MCG crowd. Konstas was absolutely fearless and even tried to revisit Bumrah.
The youngster was eventually dismissed for a blistering 60 off 65 balls. He smashed 6 fours and 2 sixes during the knock and helped Australia down to a flyer. Despite having a tough time in the initial overs, Bumrah came back hard and showed why he is the best.