NEW DELHI: There’s no denying the fact that the Aussies are in awe of India pace spearhead and vice-captain Jasprit Bumrah.
With 21 scalps from 3 Tests in the ongoing Border-Gavaskar Trophy, Bumrah is the top wicket-taker in the series against Australia.
Talking to TOI, former Australia captain Allan Border expressed his admiration of Bumrah and his rare art.
“Bumrah, these days, is on that pedestal. His wrists, his release points are different to other bowlers. Because of that hyperextension, he’s releasing the ball a foot further down than other bowlers. He’s got a unique shuffling run-up, and then the snap of these wrists, he’s amazing. Being different, plus having that skill, it’s a whole different level of difficulty for the batsman,” Border said.
Bumrah became India’s top Test wicket-taker in Australia during the third Test in Brisbane, surpassing the great Kapil Dev, grabbing nine wickets to surpass the legendary pacer’s record of 51 and reach 53 in Australia.
Bumrah was the player of the match in India’s 295-run triumph in Perth in the first Test.
With 21 wickets in the series thus far at an almost unbelievable average of 10.90, he is the most prolific bowler on both sides.
On a bouncing Perth wicket, Bumrah, who was captaining the first Test in the absence of Rohit Sharma, made life miserable for the Australian batters.
Border added, “Bumrah will do a very good job (as captain). In Perth, he used himself properly. Captaincy-wise, the way he set the fields, you couldn’t fault him.”
Australia were dismissed for 104 in Perth after Bumrah took 5-30 from 18 overs. In the second innings, he added 3-42 to help India win by 295 runs.
On fast bowlers as captains, Border said, “It’s a tough one, because after your over, you need to go down to fine leg for a break and a drink! As captain, you can’t do that. You need to be at mid-on, directing the field. But Bumrah did well, he’s aggressive as a bowler, but not as aggressive as a person. He’s always got that smile on his face. Cummins too.”
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