Jasprit Bumrah, the world's top-ranked Test bowler, will miss India's two-match Test series in Sri Lanka after sustaining an on-field injury in the UK last month, according to a report from Al Jazeera. Bumrah's absence is a significant setback for India as they prepare for the tour.
In the meantime, India are set to play a practice match against a Sri Lanka Cricket XI as part of their preparations for the series. The practice game offers both sides a chance to fine-tune their skills ahead of the two Test matches.
The injury, which occurred on the field during India's time in the UK, has ruled Bumrah out of the entire tour. The exact nature of the injury was not disclosed in the reports. Bumrah's absence will likely put added pressure on India's bowling attack, given his status as the top-ranked Test bowler in the world.
The two-match Test series between India and Sri Lanka is part of India's tour of the island nation. The practice match against the Sri Lanka Cricket XI is expected to help the visiting team acclimatise to local conditions before the first Test begins.
Neither report provided specific details about the practice match's scores or key performances, but both confirmed the fixture and its role in India's preparation for the series. The team will now have to adjust their plans without Bumrah, who has been a key figure in their bowling line-up.