- Border-Gavaskar Test series on the line at SCG
- Jasprit Burah suffers back injury
- Ricky Ponting suggests it could be serious
Australian Test legend Ricky Ponting has suggested that Jasprit Bumrah's back injury is more serious than India are letting on, and new theories are emerging as to why he went to hospital.
With the Test series on the line at the SCG, Bumrah's injury on Saturday shook India.
On Saturday night it was revealed that the superstar bowler was suffering from back spasms and went to hospital for scans – but the injury is more serious.
Sunday could be the last day of the series, and India desperately need Bumrah to be available to bowl if they are to defend a tough fourth innings target.
The world's top-ranked bowler has taken 32 wickets for the series at an average of 13.06, the most of any Indian bowler in a series in Australia.
But he has seemingly collapsed in the process, bowling 151 overs in the series, the most of any Indian player.
Ricky Ponting has suggested Jasprit Bumrah's injury is more serious than India say
With Test series on the line at SCG, Bumrah's injury shook India
On Sunday morning, Ponting questioned the explanation for the back spasms. “I found it a real concern,” Ponting told Channel 7.
'They said back spasms when he came back (to the SCG).
'(But) he is running up the stairs. He ran off the field. These are not signs or symptoms of back spasms.
'I'll cross my fingers and hope so. I would love to see him participate more in this game and not be out for an extended period of time again like he was with stress fractures a couple of years ago.
Journalist Peter Lalor suggested that Bumrah could have gone to hospital for injections.
“My email is that he didn't go for a scan,” he told Channel 7.
'They have scanning machines in the locker rooms. He went to get an injection. Probably cortisone.
Bumrah removed his white clothing with “scans” to determine the severity of the mystery injury.
The Indian spearhead has been outstanding throughout the series.
On Sunday morning, Bumrah did not play alongside the rest of the Indian bowlers in the warm-up.
It remains to be seen if India keeps Bumrah on the ice in the hope that he will be fit to bowl later on Sunday, or if their series with the ball is effectively over.
India needs to win in Sydney to retain the Border-Gavaskar Trophy.