Due to back spasms, premium pacer Jasprit Bumrah is probably going to be rested for most of India's home white-ball series against England, in anticipation of the ICC Champions Trophy which begins on February 19. Bumrah, who took 32 wickets in India's 1-3 thumping at the hands of Australia in the recently finished Border-Gavaskar Trophy, could not bowl in the series' final innings due to the injury.
Throughout the series, Bumrah bowled more than 150 overs. The BCCI medical staff will ensure the premium pacer is prepared for the ICC mega tournament, where his presence is essential to India's success, given the injury is directly related to his excessive exertion during the series.
Bumrah's injury
Sources privy to the development told PTI that it is yet unknown what grade Bumrah's back spasm is. On February 20 in Dubai, India will play Bangladesh in the Champions Trophy opener. It will require at least two to three weeks of rehabilitation before Bumrah can return to play (RTP) if his injury falls into the grade 1 category. While Grade 3 injuries are the most severe and necessitate at least three months of rest and rehabilitation programs, Grade 2 injuries can be recovered from in as little as six weeks.
Bumrah to miss out on majority of England series
Since this is not the World Cup year, it was always clear that Bumrah would not play in the T20I bilateral series. However, with the Champions Trophy approaching, he would have undoubtedly played two or even three ODIs against England because of the 50-over format. However, the severity of his injury will now determine whether Bumrah participates in the England series at all or at least the last game on February 12 at his home stadium in Ahmedabad to assess his fitness. Beginning on January 22, India will play England in three ODIs and five T20Is.
