As Australia and India prepare for the much-anticipated Border-Gavaskar Trophy 2024-2025, Usman Khawaja shared his thoughts on the challenge of facing Jasprit Bumrah. Their paths have crossed many times, so Khawaja is confident of how to deal with Bumrah’s unique bowling action, which will be one of the major challenges in the upcoming Test series.
The Australian admits that facing the Indian pacer is no easy task, especially because of his unusual movement which can make his deliveries difficult to read. Known for his sharp bounce and pace-making ability, Jasprit Bumrah’s unpredictability in the air has been a nightmare for many top-order batsmen, including Usman Khawaja.
Usman Khawaja confident of handling Jasprit Bumrah’s early threat in Border-Gavaskar Trophy 2024-25
Notably, Khawaja has survived seven overs so far but managed just 43 runs from 155 balls against Jasprit Bumrah. Despite not having any significant success against the Indian pacer, the Australian opener is confident of handling the pressure in the upcoming five-match Test series at home.
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Ahead of the Perth Test starting on November 22, the 37-year-old cricketer insisted that he is well aware that Bumrah’s role in the early overs will be crucial as the Indian bowler strikes early with the new ball. he is one of the toughest bowlers he will face in any series, but he is set for an interesting battle.
Usman Khawaja highlighted how Jasprit Bumrah’s unique bowling action made it difficult to take the ball early. Unlike most bowlers who leave the ball close to the bounce crease, Bumrah’s action pushes the ball further out and feels quicker than expected. Khawaja admitted that it was awkward at first, but once he got used to the action, it became easier to face him.
It is very awkward but he is still a class bowler: Usman Khawaja
Usman Khawaja was quoted by Fox Cricket: “I mean, when you first face him, it’s just his act. It is a different, strange type of action because his release point is very different from other bowlers and It’s just slightly above. So a lot of guys leave the ball near the crease. Against Bumrah, he only steps forward slightly with his front foot and pushes the ball away.
So it goes out and then arrives sooner than you expect. Once you get used to the movement, it’s fine. I played against him a lot. Not to say that he can’t give me the first ball. I mean, anyone can. But it’s one of those things where it’s very awkward the first time you encounter it, and then it gets better once you get into a bit of a rhythm. But he is still a class player.”
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Usman Khawaja reveals his strategy to face Jasprit Bumrah’s unusual action in Test Series
However, Khawaja is not focusing on Bumrah’s potential to get him out, but the Australian all-rounder is focused on finding areas to score runs against the Indian pacer in the upcoming Border-Gavaskar Trophy 2024-25. He looks to capitalize on any mistakes while respecting Bumrah’s neat delivery, an approach that is key to success in Test cricket.
Khawaja signed off by saying: “I’m not just thinking about Jasprit Bumrah. Do you want to ask me where you think? I would tell you exactly the same thing, because if he misses, I come and if he hits good things, I will respect that.
