India fast bowler Umesh Yadav became the latest name on the team’s growing injury list in the ongoing Test series against Australia. With veteran pacers like Mohammed Shami and Ishant Sharma already out with injuries, Team India’s options are fast depleting.
The incident took place on the third day of the second Test during the eighth over of the Australian innings when Yadav was bowling to Matthew Wade. After bowling the third delivery of his fourth over, the 33-year-old was seen complaining about straining his left calf muscle.
The team physiotherapist rushed onto the field immediately and the bowler soon returned to the dressing room after a short discussion. Meanwhile, debutant Mohammed Siraj had to complete Yadav’s over.
The BCCI released an update on their social media accounts stating, “Umesh Yadav complained of pain in his calf while bowling his 4th over and was assessed by the BCCI medical team. He is being taken for scans now."
Umesh Yadav complained of pain in his calf while bowling his 4th over and was assessed by the BCCI medical team. He is being taken for scans now. #AUSvIND pic.twitter.com/SpBWAOEu1x
— BCCI (@BCCI) December 28, 2020
While fifth bowling option Ravindra Jadeja efficiently replaced Yadav for the rest of Day 3 – taking two wickets in his 10 overs – Virat Kohli-less India might have to do with just two fast bowlers for the remaining two days of the Boxing Day Test.
Interestingly, Yadav had given Team India their first breakthrough on the third day after the 33-year-old dismissed Joe Burns in his second over.
With Ishant Sharma already missing the entire series, India were also jolted by Mohammed Shami’s injury during the first Test match at the Adelaide Oval.
While bringing in an inexperienced Siraj hasn’t hurt the visitors yet, Umesh Yadav’s injury might force India to fall back on yet another bowler with little Test match experience in Navdeep Saini.
On the positive side, the Indian team management had asked T Natarajan, Shardul Thakur and Kartik Tyagi to stay back after the ODI and T20I series. In case the team’s injury list further expands, India can draft them in.
Ajinkya Rahane-led Team India are in a superior position after the end of Day 3 at the Melbourne Cricket Ground. After taking a 131-run first-innings lead, Indian bowlers were at their best as they reduced Australia to 133/6 with two more days to go in the second Test match.
