"Become this Indian cricket genie, you have a wish, he comes and fulfills it"- Sanjay Manjrekar hails Jasprit Bumrah after IND's 1st BGT Test win
Former Indian batter Sanjay Manjrekar hailed ace pacer Jasprit Bumrah for his dismissal of a well-set Travis Head on Day 4 (November 25) of the first Border-Gavaskar Trophy 2024-25 Test in Perth. With Australia resuming on 12/3 in their improbable run-chase of 534, the hosts were immediately setback by opener Usman Khawaja's dismissal.
However, a resolute Travis Head fought valiantly and moved to 89 off 100 deliveries, standing between India and victory for an umpteenth time. Yet, stand-in skipper Bumrah was having none of it on this occasion, dismissing the southpaw with a peach to have him caught behind.
Speaking to Star Sports, Manjrekar was amazed by Bumrah's ability to produce such an incredible delivery on a flat track and with a softer ball.
"It's one of the greatest balls that he's bowled in his career and this is no exaggeration. Travis Head, set batter, the ball was soft plus the pitch looked a lot easier. It's almost like it's become this Indian cricket genie, you have a wish, and he comes and fulfils it. And this was like, almost an unbelievable thing to do on a pitch like that to produce a delivery of this kind where a set batter was out on defense," he said.
Manjrekar added:
"I mean, that was just outstanding. And what a time Bumrah is having. That was an incredible delivery, and I know, Australia would not have won, but that partnership was really frustrating for India. He got India right back in the game."
Bumrah enjoyed an outstanding match with the ball, finishing with overall figures of 8/72 in 30 overs.
"We were really well prepared so I was telling everyone to have faith in their process and ability" - Jasprit Bumrah
Jasprit Bumrah praised India's preparation and belief in their abilities for the massive 295-run win over Australia in the first Test at the Optus Stadium.
India were under immense pressure after being bowled out for 150 on Day 1. However, they dismissed Australia for 104 before piling on 487/6 declared in the second innings.
Speaking at the post-match presentation, Bumrah said:
"Very happy with the beginning. Were put under pressure in the first innings, but the way we responded after that - very proud. We were really well prepared so I was telling everyone to have faith in their process and ability. On a given day, experience does matter, but if you have faith you can do something special. Can't ask for anything else."
This was Bumrah's first win as India's Test captain after suffering a defeat to England in his first game as skipper in 2022.
With India taking a 1-0 lead in the best-of-five series, the action will shift to Adelaide for the second Test, starting December 6.