The India-Australia rivalry has long been one of the fiercest and most exhilarating contests in world cricket. Every series between these two cricketing giants is packed with drama, and the Border-Gavaskar Trophy is no exception. Beyond the on-field competition, there’s always a mental battle that plays out in the background, with both teams attempting to outthink and outsmart one another. Verbal jousting and psychological games are just as much a part of this rivalry as the cricket itself, and over the years, these have often overshadowed the actual action.
However, the 2024 edition of the series has introduced a somewhat surprising element. In the past, Australian cricketers have been known to target Indian players with verbal aggression and psychological pressure, but this time around, the Australians have shown a level of humility, especially towards India’s premier fast bowler, Jasprit Bumrah. Instead of engaging in the usual mind games, Australia’s batters have acknowledged that facing Bumrah is a serious challenge, with many praising his exceptional skills.
Bumrah, known for his unconventional bowling action and his ability to generate pace, swing, and seam movement, has made a name for himself as one of the most devastating bowlers in world cricket. His rise to the top of the ICC Test bowling rankings is a testament to his ability to consistently trouble even the best of batters. In the ongoing series, Bumrah’s impact was immediate, and it was evident in his match-winning performance during the Perth Test, where he delivered a brilliant five-wicket haul. This performance was pivotal in India’s fightback after they had been dismissed for a modest total of 150 in their first innings. Bumrah’s relentless pressure was a game-changer, and it seemed like no batter could escape his grasp.
Travis Head, one of Australia’s in-form batters, had the unenviable task of facing Bumrah in the second innings at the Optus Stadium. Head, who had looked set for a well-deserved century, was undone by a Bumrah delivery that shaped away from him and found the outside edge. The fact that Bumrah could dismiss a batter in such rich form underlined his exceptional ability to extract the best out of any situation. Head’s response to his dismissal was one of respect and admiration for Bumrah. He openly praised Bumrah’s skill and called him one of the greatest fast bowlers to ever play the game.
“I think we’re finding that at the moment — how challenging he can be,” Head said during a press conference. “Jasprit will go down as probably one of the greatest fast bowlers to play the game, and it’s nice to play against that.” He also mentioned how he would one day tell his grandkids about the privilege of facing Bumrah, showcasing the level of respect the Australian batters now have for him.
Steve Smith, another prominent Australian batter, also spoke about Bumrah’s unique bowling action and how it presents a challenge to any batter. Smith himself experienced the frustration of facing Bumrah when he was dismissed for a golden duck in the first innings of the Perth Test. He described Bumrah’s run-up and action as “awkward,” and noted that it takes a few deliveries to get into the rhythm of facing him. Smith’s comments shed light on just how difficult it is to face Bumrah, even for experienced batters. “He releases the ball closer to you than any other bowler, just the way he does it,” Smith explained. “It’s just an awkward action.”
Bumrah’s unorthodox style has continued to perplex Australian batters throughout the series. Even cricket legends such as Ricky Ponting and Michael Clarke have weighed in on his brilliance. Ponting, one of the greatest Australian players, called Bumrah a “nightmare” for opposition batters, emphasizing his unpredictability and the range of deliveries he can bowl. Clarke, who led Australia to World Cup glory in 2015, praised Bumrah’s consistency, calling him a “freak” due to his ability to perform in difficult conditions. The consistency with which Bumrah executes his skill is what sets him apart from many other fast bowlers.
Interestingly, Indian sports broadcaster Harsha Bhogle, known for his keen insights into the game, remarked that there seemed to be a sense of awe among the Australian players when it came to Bumrah. Bhogle noted that the Australians were no longer sounding like the ruthless team they are known to be. Instead of strategizing ways to counter Bumrah, Australian players such as Head were speaking about him with a level of reverence usually reserved for legendary players. Bhogle speculated that this shift in mindset could potentially be a psychological disadvantage for Australia, as they may have allowed Bumrah to get into their heads.
He added that it was unusual for players like Allan Border, Ricky Ponting, and Steve Waugh to express such admiration for an opponent, as historically, the Australian approach has always been to respect the opposition but focus on finding ways to overcome them. Bhogle’s observation added another layer to the ongoing mental battle in the series, as he wondered whether Australia’s newfound respect for Bumrah could hinder their performance going forward.
As the series progresses, it’s clear that Bumrah is continuing to be a thorn in the side of Australian batters. He is not just a bowler; he is a symbol of India’s dominance in world cricket. Bumrah is now just 12 wickets away from breaking Kapil Dev’s record for the most Test wickets by an Indian bowler on Australian soil. With the Adelaide Test on the horizon, Bumrah will be looking to add to his wicket tally and further cement his legacy. For Australia, the key to surviving Bumrah’s onslaught will be mental fortitude and the ability to counter his unorthodox approach.
The ongoing Border-Gavaskar Trophy promises to be a thrilling contest, with Bumrah playing a central role in the outcome. If Australia is to reclaim their top spot in the World Test Championship standings, they will need to find a way to neutralize Bumrah and break the mental hold he has over them. The battle between these two cricketing powerhouses is as much about strategy and psychology as it is about skill, and Bumrah’s influence is sure to be felt for the remainder of the series.
