India’s top fast bowler Jasprit Bumrah is not looking like his usual self in the ongoing fourth Test against England at Old Trafford in Manchester. Even though the pitch is offering uneven bounce and India posted a strong first-innings total of 358 runs, Bumrah has struggled with the ball.
The England batters played him with ease, scoring runs freely. Things became more worrying on Day 3, when Bumrah was seen limping as he climbed the stairs to the dressing room. The video went viral on social media, sparking fresh fears about his fitness.
According to a report by News18, Bumrah twisted his ankle while going up the stairs. This was the reason he did not bowl for a long time during the first two sessions on Day 3. Fans and experts started asking questions when he bowled only one over with the second new ball and didn’t return for another spell.
Later, commentators confirmed that Bumrah had left the field for treatment. Meanwhile, Joe Root and Ben Stokes made full use of the second new ball and took England to a strong position. Cameras also caught Bumrah sitting near the boundary, looking uncomfortable.
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Morkel Says Bumrah “Rolled His Ankle”
India’s bowling coach Morne Morkel tried to reduce the tension. He said Bumrah had only rolled his ankle and just needed some rest. Morkel also mentioned that Mohammed Siraj had a small issue too after stepping awkwardly on the pitch, but both bowlers were fine.
Bumrah did come back to bowl later in the day, but he didn’t look fully fit. He was clearly protecting his left ankle, and his pace was slower than usual. Still, he managed to take the wicket of Jamie Smith and ended with figures of 1 for 95 in 28 overs.
Despite his troubles, Bumrah reached a big milestone, 50 Test wickets in England. He became only the third Asian bowler to do so, after Wasim Akram and Ishant Sharma.
