January 3, 2025: Jasprit Bumrah has undoubtedly emerged as India’s most dependable and effective weapon in the ongoing Border-Gavaskar Trophy 2024-25, and the series has, in many ways, become a narrative of ‘Bumrah vs Australia’. In a series marred by inconsistent performances from India’s top-order batsmen and mixed contributions from the spin and pace departments, Bumrah has shouldered the responsibility of leading India’s attack, taking on a monumental workload, and delivering crucial breakthroughs when the team most needed them.
His consistency, workload, and match-winning performances with the ball have made him the central figure of India’s bowling strategy. Not just as a bowler, Bumrah’s resilience with the bat and his ability to contribute in the lower order, at times, have also been crucial for India in tight situations. Here’s a detailed breakdown of Bumrah’s journey through this demanding series:
First Test at Perth
Batting: Bumrah played a crucial role with the bat, scoring 8 runs in India’s innings. He made a brief, yet valuable contribution in a tough situation.
Bowling: Bumrah was the star of the match, finishing with 8 wickets for 72 runs across two innings, including a five-wicket haul (5/30). He provided key breakthroughs and gave India the early momentum in Australia’s second innings, removing Pat Cummins and Alex Carey. His spell helped India secure a crucial victory with a massive lead in the match.
Second Test at Adelaide
Batting: Bumrah’s contributions with the bat were minimal, scoring only 2*, but his performances with the ball were once again the highlight.
Bowling: Bumrah finished with 4 wickets for 61 runs in the first innings, removing key Australian players like Usman Khawaja early. Despite being on the receiving end of a Travis Head counterattack, Bumrah was able to bring India back into the game. India ended up setting a very small target in the final innings, which was easily chased by Australia.
Third Test at Brisbane
Batting: Bumrah’s 10* (38 balls) in a challenging second innings was valuable, as he held the fort and formed a partnership with Akash Deep, preventing India from following on.
Bowling: In an epic contest, Bumrah took 9 wickets for 106 runs in the match, including a crucial 6-wicket haul (6/76) in the first innings. His resilience with the ball was instrumental in keeping India in the match, even as Australia amassed a huge total of 445 runs in their first innings.
In the final innings, Bumrah took three key wickets (Khuwaja, Labuschagne, Cummins), keeping Australia in check and giving India a chance to chase down the target. Unfortunately, rain played spoilsport, and the match ended in a draw.
Fourth Test at Melbourne
Batting: Bumrah’s ducks in both innings didn’t add to the scoreboard, but his contribution as a bowler was immense.
Bowling: In what was arguably his most grueling outing, Bumrah bowled a total of 53 overs across both innings, taking 9 wickets for 156 runs. His figures included a five-wicket haul (5/57) in the second innings. Bumrah was relentless throughout the match, removing key Australian players and making crucial breakthroughs, even under extreme pressure.
India was chasing down a massive total of 340 runs in the fourth innings. Bumrah had to come out to bat in the final moments of the match, facing 8 balls, but he couldn’t make a difference. India was eventually bowled out for 155, with Australia winning by 184 runs.
Fifth Test at Sydney
Batting: On Day 1 of the fifth Test, Bumrah came in with the bat and contributed 22 runs off 17 balls, including three boundaries and a six. His contribution helped India reach a total of 185.
- Bowling: Bumrah made a vital breakthrough on Day 1, dismissing Usman Khawaja and putting India in the driver’s seat.
Bumrah has been nothing short of exceptional throughout the series. He has taken 31 wickets at an average of 12.64, with a best bowling performance of 6/76. His bowling figures include three five-wicket hauls, showcasing his ability to break key partnerships and consistently deliver for India. He has bowled 143.2 overs, more than any other Indian bowler in the series, underlining his workload.
With the bat, Bumrah has made 42 runs at an average of 8.40. While his contributions with the bat haven’t been game-changing, he has certainly shown the ability to hold up an end in tight situations. His best score has been 22, more runs than several of India’s top-order batsmen like Rohit Sharma, who has only scored 31 runs in three matches at an average of 6.20.
Bumrah’s workload has far exceeded that of any other Indian bowler in the series. He has bowled a staggering 143.2 overs, with Mohammed Siraj (130.1 overs) being the second-most used bowler. Among Australian bowlers, only Pat Cummins (152 overs) and Mitchell Starc (149.2 overs) have bowled more overs.
Bumrah’s ability to carry the bowling attack, particularly in the absence of key players and inconsistent form from others, has made him India’s most reliable workhorse in this series. His match awareness, leadership in key moments, and ability to turn the game around with his wickets have made him the linchpin of India’s bowling attack.
In a series where India has struggled with batting collapses and bowling inconsistencies, Bumrah’s resilience has been the cornerstone of the team’s efforts. His continuous contributions in both departments and his ability to rise to the occasion under pressure have earned him the well-deserved spotlight as India’s most reliable match-winner in this Border-Gavaskar Trophy.
