"Even when Kohli dropped a catch, Bumrah's reaction was extraordinary" - Gilchrist hails pacer for brilliant spell on Day 1 of 1st BGT 2024-25 Test
Australian legend Adam Gilchrist hailed Jasprit Bumrah for his sensational bowling effort on Day 1 of the first Border-Gavaskar Trophy 2024-25 Test in Perth on Friday, November 22. Affirming that Bumrah led from the front, Gilchrist also praised the fast bowler for keeping his cool even after Virat Kohli dropped a simple catch off his bowling in the slip cordon.
A total of 17 wickets fell on an extraordinary Day 1 of the Perth Test. Batting first after winning the toss, India were bowled out for 150 in 49.4 overs as Josh Hazlewood picked up 4-29. Bumrah, leading the side in Rohit Sharma's absence, however produced some magic of his own. He claimed 4-17 in 10 overs as the Aussies went to stumps at a precarious 67-7.
During an interaction on Cricbuzz, Gilchrist praised Bumrah for his exceptional spell and added that he can't imagine what it's like for a batter facing the ace Indian fast bowler. The former Aussie keeper-batter commented:
"That was a captain's spell. He decided to go out there and set the tone. He led the team along with him. Even when Virat Kohli dropped a catch, Bumrah's reaction was extraordinary - a little smile. [It was like] 'Oh well, I'll just have another go here'. And the team rallied around him.
"Just looks frightening to face. There was no let up. There are no discernible changes in action or style or technique. As a batter, I just can't image what it's like facing him. That was brilliant," the 53-year-old went on to add.
At stumps on Day 1 in Perth, Australian keeper-batter Alex Carey was batting on 19 and Mitchell Starc on six. The hosts trail India by 83 runs with three first-innings wickets in hand.
How Jasprit Bumrah stunned Australia on Day 1 in Perth
After India were bowled out for 150, Bumrah lifted the visitors by trapping Australian debutant Nathan McSweeney (10) leg before with a fuller delivery that seamed in. India smartly took the DRS to get the decision in their favor.
The right-arm pacer then had Usman Khawaja (8) caught at slip with a probing delivery from around the wicket. He then trapped Steven Smith for a golden duck as the Aussie batter shuffled across his stumps. Bumrah could have had four in his opening spell had Kohli held on to a simple catch offered by Marnus Labuschagne.
The Indian captain returned towards the end of the day's play to dismiss his opposite number Pat Cummins for three. The Australian captain edged a drive without moving his feet to the keeper.