The Indian pacer Jasprit Bumrah reaffirmed his standing as one of the world’s premier bowlers with a sensational display in India’s 295-run triumph over Australia in the first Test of the Border-Gavaskar Trophy in Perth. Captaining the side in the absence of Rohit Sharma, Bumrah’s leadership and bowling prowess stole the show, silencing critics and setting the tone for the series.
The former England captain Nasser Hussain expressed relief for the fact that he never had to face Bumrah during his playing days. Speaking on Sky Sports Cricket, Nasser Hussain highlighted how Bumrah’s capabilities, including his slower ball, deadly Yorker and sharp bouncer, were often underappreciated in pre-match discussions dominated by star batters like Virat Kohli and Steve Smith.
He said that they don’t really talk about Jasprit Bumrah, may be because he is a bowler and it’s a fact that batters get much more limelight. Nasser Hussain further talked about Jasprit Bumrah’s stellar contributions which got overshadowed in the buildup to the match.
India’s first innings collapse for 150 seemed ominous but Bumrah turned the tide with an electrifying spell of 5/30, dismissing Australia for just 104. This remarkable bowling effort not only kept India alive in the game but handed them the momentum.
The Indian batting lineup then responded emphatically. Centuries from Yashasvi Jaiswal and Virat Kohli, along with a 201-run opening partnership between Jaiswal and KL Rahul, propelled India to a commanding second-innings total. Setting a daunting target of 534, India piled pressure on Australia. Jasprit Bumrah returned with a clinical display in the final innings, taking three key wickets to dismiss Australia for 238, sealing a comprehensive victory.
Jasprit Bumrah’s career continues to reach new heights. With a Test bowling average of 20.06, he boasts the second best figure in history among bowlers with at least 150 Test wickets. He trails only England legend Sydney Barnes, whose career spanned the early 20th century. Jasprit Bumrah’s ability to dominate across conditions and formats cements his place as a modern great.
This performance not only underlined Jasprit Bumrah’s individual brilliance but also showcased India’s resilience and depth. Despite the absence of key players and a rocky start, Jasprit Bumrah’s leadership and match-winning ability guided the team to an emphatic win, setting the tone for the rest of the series.
