Ravichandran Ashwin, Jasprit Bumrah Doubtful For Fourth Test Against Australia: Report

Team India are reportedly sweating over the availability of their star bowlers – Ravichandran Ashwin and Jasprit Bumrah for the fourth and final Test against Australia starting in Brisbane on January 15. With the four-match series currently locked at 1-1, the upcoming Test in Brisbane will decide the fate of the closely-fought series.

Ravichandran Ashwin, on Monday, came up with a heroic effort with his bat to help India draw the third Test at the Sydney Cricket Ground. Before starring with the bat, the off-spinner had woken up with a “tweak” in his back that had left him in “unbelievable pain”, his wife Prithi revealed on Twitter. Ravichandran Ashwin joined Hanuma Vihari in the 89th over with more than a session left for India to save the SCG Test.

The duo went on to bat out 42.4 overs to ensure India avoid a defeat. During his heroic stay at the crease, Ravichandran Ashwin also faced some hostile short-pitched bowling. He looked in visible discomfort facing those deliveries as he took blows on his arms, chest and abdomen. He is now in a race against time to be fit for the fourth Test.

As far as Jasprit Bumrah is concerned, he is doubtful for the final Test because of an abdomen strain. The India pace spearhead is set to undergo a scan on Tuesday to determine the extent of his injury, according to the New Indian Express. And while both Ashwin and Bumrah are doubtful for the last Test, the report stated that India are hopeful that they will be fit to take the field at the Gabba.

The report further stated that Jasprit Bumrah’s workload is being monitored closely and there is a strong possibility that he might be rested for at least a couple of Tests against England. With Ishant Sharma and Bhuvneshwar Kumar set to make a return to the squad, India can afford to rest their pace spearhead, keeping his workload in mind.

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