"I think there were 15 people really pleased that Bumrah didn't bowl" - Aussie batter's honest take after hosts win BGT 2024-25 5th Test

Australia batter Travis Head acknowledged that the camp was relieved after Jasprit Bumrah did not turn up to bowl in the final innings of the fifth Border-Gavaskar Trophy Test in Sydney. The Indian pacer sustained a reported back spasm while bowling in the first innings and was not deemed fit enough to bowl the second time.

Bumrah, finishing as the series' leading wicket-taker by a fair distance, was a constant threat to the Australians. With only a 162-run target to defend to level the series, the Men in Blue needed the spearhead's services more than ever. While he came out to bat on Day 3, he did not take the field to bowl later.

India's bowling looked like a deflated unit without Bumrah. Mohammed Siraj and Prasidh Krishna tried to pressurize the opposition, but the target was scaled down in just 27 overs.

"I think there were 15 people really pleased that Bumrah didn’t bowl today. He’s a great performer, he had an exceptional tour," Travis Head said in an interaction with the broadcasters after the series win (via Cricbuzz).

"I’m wrecked, I don’t know what I’m going to do for the next 10 days. I’ll look after myself and get prepared for Sri Lanka," Head added.

Travis Head finished as the leading run-scorer of the series. He scored 448 runs in the series at an average of 56.

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Jasprit Bumrah named Player of the Series for his exceptional and historic campaign

Despite not bowling in the final innings, Jasprit Bumrah finished as the leading wicket-taker with 32 scalps at an average of 13.06.

"Little frustrating but sometimes you have to respect your body, you can’t fight your body. Disappointing, probably missed out on the spiciest wicket of the series. Felt a bit of discomfort during my second spell in the first innings. The chat was about belief, the other bowlers stepped up in the first innings," Bumrah said during the post-match presentation (via Cricbuzz).

The full extent of Bumrah's injury is yet to be disclosed. It remains to be seen if he will participate in the white-ball series against England at home and the 2025 Champions Trophy.