India, April 2 -- It's been three months since Jasprit Bumrah was whisked away from the Sydney Cricket Ground parking lot during the final Test to undergo scans on his back. A full disclosure of his fitness status is still awaited while India's lead speedster continues to be sidelined.

From giving rookie Aussie opener Sam Konstas a harsh welcome to Test cricket and Usman Khawaja nightmares, Bumrah delivered some of the best fast bowling spells during the Australian summer. Whether he can repeat that over the stretch of a long Test series, no one can safely predict.

India's next away tour is another five-Test series in England starting June 20, but that's not Bumrah's immediate target. The fast bowler is currently undergoing rehabilitati...