Bumrah ruled out of third ODI with knee injury
- Jasprit Bumrah ruled out of third ODI vs England due to knee injury.
- BCCI has not yet named a replacement.
- India lead the three-match series 1-0.
Bumrah ruled out of third ODI with knee injury
India's pace spearhead Jasprit Bumrah has been ruled out of the third and final ODI against England due to a knee injury. The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) confirmed the development on Sunday, July 19, but did not specify the severity of the issue.
Bumrah had played in the first two ODIs of the series, taking three wickets. India currently lead the three-match contest 1-0 after a comprehensive win in the first game. The second ODI was abandoned due to rain.
Impact on the series
Bumrah's absence is a significant blow to the Indian bowling attack. His ability to bowl yorkers at the death and pick up early wickets has been crucial to India's limited-overs success.
The third ODI is scheduled to be played at the same venue as the second match. The team management will now have to decide on a replacement for the playing XI. Mohammed Shami is the most likely candidate to come into the side, though the team could also opt for an extra spinner.
What the BCCI said
The BCCI released a brief statement confirming the development. "Jasprit Bumrah has been ruled out of the third ODI against England due to a knee injury. The medical team is monitoring his progress," the statement read.
No replacement has been named for the squad yet. The selectors are expected to take a call on his availability for the upcoming T20I series against England, which begins next week.
Bumrah's recent workload
Bumrah has been one of India's most heavily bowled pacers across formats. He played all five Tests in the recent home series against England, taking 19 wickets. He then featured in the T20I series before the current ODI assignment.
Injuries to key fast bowlers have been a recurring concern for Indian cricket. Mohammed Shami and Shardul Thakur have also spent time on the sidelines in recent months. The team management will be keen to manage Bumrah's workload ahead of the 50-over World Cup later this year.
The third ODI is a dead rubber in terms of the series result, but both teams will be looking to build momentum. For India, it is also a chance to test their bench strength ahead of the World Cup.
All eyes will now be on the BCCI's next update on Bumrah's fitness and the composition of the playing XI for the final ODI.