Indian bowling spearhead Jasprit Bumrah had an injury scare during the final session of the first day of the Boxing Day Test in Melbourne. During Australia's first innings 75 over on Day 1, Alex Carey stroked a ball off Mohammad Siraj to right-mid off.
Jasprit Bumrah got to the ball but miscued, allowing an extra run to both Alex Carey and Steve Smith. India captain Rohit Sharma was disappointed with the effort, but Bumrah's potential injury concerns were a bigger worry for India at that stage.
It seemed like the driver had some issues on his sides while Bumrah did some stretching and eventually. Received some treatment from a physiotherapist in India on his calf during a drinks break. He quickly walked off the field as he appeared to be suffering from muscle cramps due to the extreme heat in Melbourne.
He watches: Mohammad Siraj's ridiculously sloppy fielding efforts in Pakistan style at the MCG are going viral
Watch: Jasprit Bumrah's injury raises tension for Rohit Sharma
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– Drizzyat12Kennyat8 (@45kennyat7PM) December 26, 2024
The heat in Melbourne clearly took its toll on the players and Bumrah seemed to be affected by it. The temperature regularly touched 40 degrees. Bumrah bowled no more. Of the overs for India on the first day which affected his body.
Jasprit Bumrah returns to the field
Jasprit Bumrah has been India's best bowler in this series by far. The 31-year-old is the spearhead of India's bowling attack and has almost single-handedly carried out India's bowling attack so far.
His exit from the field was a huge blow to Rohit Sharma as he is a true wicket-taker for his team. Bumrah attended the physio and seemed fine to return after some time.
The star fast bowler returned to the field after 80 runs when India got the second new ball. Fast bowler Akash Deb struck with his first delivery with the new ball as he got the big wicket of Alex Carey, who was looking dangerous with his batting knock.
Sam Konstas attacks Jasprit Bumrah
Meanwhile, Jasprit Bumrah had a tough session in the match as he was taken to the cleaners by debutant Sam Konstas. Bumrah started well with the new ball on his debut as he constantly troubled the Australian openers with his skills.
But unlike Nathan McSweeney, Sam Konstas decided to step on the gas despite the pressure of facing the best player in the world. Konstas tried to play unorthodox shots from Bumrah to derail his lines and lengths.
Initially, he failed to connect with his shovels but soon got one to the delight of the packed MCG crowd. Konstas was quite brave and even tried to reverse Bumrah's scoop.
The youngster was finally dismissed for a quickfire 60 off 65 balls. He smashed 6 fours and sixes during his knock and helped Australia get down to a flyer. Although he had a tough time initially, Bumrah came back strong and showed why he is the best.