Sydney (Australia): Former Indian cricketer Sanjay Bangar analyzed the potential impact of Jasprit Bumrah’s injury on India’s performance in the ongoing fifth Test of the Border-Gavaskar Trophy in Sydney.
Bangar explained that Bumrah’s absence could mean India would need to put up a higher score to make the game challenging for Australia. “I think there is a difference of 50 runs. Without Jasprit Bumrah, you have to put 230-240 runs on the board, and with Jasprit Bumrah, I think somewhere around 180 will be quite challenging for Australia,” Bangar stated on Star Sports, highlighting the pacer’s pivotal role in changing the course of the game.
Bumrah’s Resilience and Tactical Advantage
Despite the injury scare, Bumrah returned to the field after undergoing scans, appearing to show no discomfort. Bangar praised the pacer’s resilience, particularly his body language after the injury. “When he came back after the scan… he looked in good shape, and his body language was such that there was no indication for the Australian team. It is very important to maintain the secrecy,” he said.
The former cricketer emphasized the psychological edge gained by India through not revealing Bumrah’s availability. Bangar explained, “Tactically, you do not want to announce whether Jasprit Bumrah will be available for bowling or not. Even if he is not available and this news goes across to the opposition’s dressing room, Australian batsmen haven’t found a way to counter him yet. They don’t know whether they should attack, defend, or play on the front foot.”
By maintaining the uncertainty around Bumrah’s fitness, the Indian team ensured that the Australian batsmen remained under pressure, unable to form a clear strategy.
Pant’s Explosive Knock in India’s Second Innings
In the final session of Day 2, Rishabh Pant’s blistering knock helped India extend their lead to 145 runs. Pant played a scintillating counterattack, scoring 61 off just 33 balls, including six boundaries and four sixes. This included two consecutive sixes off Mitchell Starc, bringing up his half-century in just 29 balls, the second-fastest by an Indian in Tests. Pant’s knock ended when he was dismissed by Pat Cummins.
India was in a precarious position at 59/3 after early breakthroughs by Scott Boland and debutant Beau Webster, who claimed the wicket of Shubman Gill. Pant’s attack lifted India’s total to 124/5, but he was dismissed shortly after reaching his fifty.
India’s Position at Stumps
At the end of Day 2, India was 141/6, with Ravindra Jadeja (8*) and Washington Sundar (6*) remaining at the crease. Australia had been bowled out earlier in the day for 181, with India taking a slender 4-run lead. With the match delicately poised, India will aim to extend their advantage on Day 3.
This match has set up an exciting contest, and Bumrah’s potential impact and Pant’s explosive innings are pivotal to India’s prospects in the ongoing Test.