Image courtesy: X / BCCI / CA
Australia’s star batter Steve Smith, battling mounting pressure to deliver big scores at No. 4 in the ongoing Border-Gavaskar Trophy, has heaped praise on India’s stand-in captain and pace spearhead, Jasprit Bumrah. Bumrah’s match-winning performance in the Perth Test not only earned India a commanding 295-run victory but also highlighted his unparalleled bowling prowess. Bumrah’s remarkable haul of 8 wickets (5/30 and 3/42) dismantled Australia’s batting order, earning him the Player of the Match accolade and reinstating his position as the top-ranked bowler in ICC Men’s Test Bowling Rankings.
Smith: ‘It’s Just All Awkward’
Speaking to the Sydney Morning Herald, Smith admitted that facing Bumrah is an extraordinary challenge, primarily due to his unorthodox bowling style. “From the start of his run-up, it’s just all awkward. The way he runs in is different to pretty much anyone else, then the last bit of his action is different,” Smith remarked. He elaborated on Bumrah’s unique release point, which is about a foot closer to the batter than any other bowler, making it exceedingly difficult to judge his length.
“I’ve faced him a reasonable amount now, and each time you face him it takes a few balls just to get the rhythm of it in a way,” Smith explained. “Maybe it rushes you a bit more than you think, and it’s just an awkward action.” Bumrah dismissed Smith for a golden duck in the first innings of the Perth Test, a testament to his ability to unsettle even the best batters.
Bumrah: A “Complete Package”
Smith didn’t hold back in lauding Bumrah’s comprehensive skill set, describing him as a “complete package.” Highlighting Bumrah’s versatility, Smith noted, “He swings it both ways, he can nip it off the seam, he can reverse it, got a good slower ball, a good bouncer—he’s pretty much the complete package as a bowler.”
This versatility ensures that batters can never relax when facing Bumrah. Whether it’s conventional swing with the new ball or reverse swing with the older one, Bumrah’s arsenal is well-stocked to trouble batters in any condition.
Bumrah’s Record-Breaking Performance
Bumrah’s outstanding performance in Perth not only secured India a crucial win but also saw him achieve personal milestones. Regaining the top spot in the ICC Men’s Test Bowling Rankings, Bumrah reached a career-best 883 rating points—the highest ever for an Indian pace bowler. Only spinners Ravichandran Ashwin (904) and Ravindra Jadeja (899) have recorded higher tallies among Indian bowlers.
This marks the third time Bumrah has ascended to the No. 1 ranking in 2023, having previously held the spot for one-month stretches starting in February and October.
Looking Ahead: The Pink-Ball Test
As the focus shifts to the second Test in Adelaide, a pink-ball encounter from December 6-10, Bumrah’s role becomes even more critical. The pink ball, known for aiding swing and seam movement under lights, could further amplify Bumrah’s effectiveness. Australia will be wary of his ability to exploit conditions that favor fast bowlers, especially after his commanding display in Perth.
For Smith, the challenge remains formidable. The Australian batter will need to find a way to counter Bumrah’s unique bowling style and rediscover the form that has made him one of the most feared No. 4s in the world.
Conclusion
Steve Smith’s candid acknowledgment of Jasprit Bumrah’s brilliance underscores the pacer’s growing reputation as one of the best in the world. Bumrah’s ability to combine an unconventional action with a wide range of skills makes him a nightmare for batters. As the Border-Gavaskar Trophy progresses, all eyes will be on Bumrah to see if he can replicate his Perth heroics in Adelaide and lead India to another memorable victory.
