New Delhi: Team India batter Cheteshwar Pujara praised Jasprit Bumrah’s excellent bowling and captaincy on Day 1 of the first Test match against Australia at Optus Stadium in Perth. In the absence of Rohit Sharma, Bumrah led a sensational comeback with the ball after a poor batting display.
After opting to bat first, Bumrah’s decision backfired quickly as the Men in Blue lost the key wickets of Jaiswal and Kohli in the 17 overs. Debutant Nitish Kumar Reddy and Rishabh Pant’s gritty partnership helped India reach a modest score of 150, despite Josh Hazlewood’s devastating 4/29 spell.
But Bumrah’s stunning spell left Australia reeling at 67/7 at stumps on Day 1. He struck early and removed both Australian openers, Nathan McSweeney and Usman Khawaja in the first six overs. He also Bumrah dismissed Steve Smith for a golden duck, dismantling one of Australia’s most dependable batters. Mohammed Siraj (2 wickets) and Harshit Rana (1 wicket) also chipped in with crucial breakthroughs. He dismissed Carey at the start on Day 2 and picked up his five-wicket haul.
Bumrah’s fiery spell in Perth was pure gold! India roars back into the game thanks to Captain #JaspritBumrah ! 🔥
Will India continue the momentum on Day 2? 🤔
📺 #AUSvINDOnStar 👉 1st Test, Join us on Day 2, SAT, NOV 23, 7 AM onwards! | #AUSvIND #ToughestRivalry pic.twitter.com/HcMVULCrlZ
— Star Sports (@StarSportsIndia) November 22, 2024
‘Bumrah bowled the way he’s expected to bowl’: Cheteshwar Pujara
Speaking to ESPNcricinfo, Pujara said that Bumrah bowled brilliantly and he got a good swing with the Kookaburra ball. He further said that not many bowlers are able to swing that ball but he landed it in right areas and allowed the ball to deviate more.
“There are times when one thinks that him being a captain might put put him under a bit of pressure, but it was other way around. He was the one who led the bulling attack and he bowled the way he’s expected to bowl” Pujara said.
India batter Cheteshwar Pujara praised Jasprit Bumrah for his sensational 4/17 spell, which turned the match in India’s favour on Day 1 of the Perth Test. Cricket Sports News: Latest Cricket News, Cricket Live Score, Sports Breaking News from Sports Today
