Jasprit Bumrah still needs some more time, he will be needed during the Australia Test series: Report

Jasprit Bumrah's return to action has w been delayed furr after failing to recover fully from his lower back stress fracture as senior India pacer was on Monday ruled out of ODI series against Sri Lanka.

Bumrah was named in squ for three-match series against Sri Lanka, starting Tuesday, but BCCI's support staff and medical team have collectively decided that his "return to play" will be delayed, keeping all-important Border Gavaskar Trophy in mind.

"Bumrah hasn't travelled with team to Guwahati. He still needs some more time to get back to full fitness as he will be needed during Australia Test series," a senior BCCI source told PTI on conditions of anymity.

It will be interesting to see if Bumrah recovers to compete against New Zealand for ODI series, starting January 18 and is fielded without playing even one domestic game.

" committee under MSK Pras and earlier team manment h me a rule that a player in order to return from injury must play at least one or if possible two domestic games before being termed rey for international comeback," a former office bearer recalled.

Bumrah sustained a lower back stress fracture post England tour and missed Asia Cup last year.

To enhance team's chances at T20 World Cup, Bumrah was rushed to T20 side during a home series against Australia where he broke down once again and was ruled out for an indefinite period.

It will t be a surprise if Bumrah plays entire four-match Border Gavaskar Trophy, starting February 9. He is expected to be used sparingly as he would be needed for marquee ODI World Cup at home later this year.