"You couldn't fault him" - Former Australian captain impressed with Jasprit Bumrah's leadership in 1st BGT 2024-25 Test
Former Australian captain Allan Border stated that he was impressed with the way Jasprit Bumrah led the Indian team in the first BGT 2024-25 Test in Perth. The former Aussie batter asserted that the fast bowler couldn't be faulted for the manner in which he captained the team.
Bumrah was named captain for the first Test against Australia in Perth since Rohit Sharma wasn't available for the game. The latter had stayed back in India following the birth of his second child. In Rohit's absence, Bumrah guided the visitors to a thumping 295-run triumph in Perth.
In an interview with The Times of India, Border shared his thoughts on Bumrah's leadership in the 1st BGT 2024-25 Test in Perth and commented:
"He'll do a very good job (if named full-time captain). In Perth, he used himself properly. Captaincy-wise, the way he set the fields, you couldn't fault him."
Speaking about Bumrah the bowler, the 69-year-old added that he is on a pedestal. Border explained that the Indian pacer's release point is different from other bowlers, elaborating that due to his hyperextension, he releases the ball a foot further down than fast bowlers.
"He's got a unique shuffling run-up, and then the snap of these wrists, he's amazing. Being different, plus having that skill, it's a whole different level of difficulty for the batsman," the former Australian captain said.
Bumrah was named Player of the Match for registering figures of 5-30 & 3-42 as Team India registered their biggest Test win Down Under in terms of runs in Perth. While on the topic of pacer-captains like Bumrah and Australia's own Pat Cummins, Border admitted that doing the dual job is tough.
"It's a tough one, because after your over, you need to go down to fine leg for a break and a drink! As captain, you can't do that. You need to be at mid-on, directing the field. But Bumrah did well, he's aggressive as a bowler, but not as aggressive as a person. He's always got that smile on his face. Cummins too," one of Australia's greatest leaders stated.
Meanwhile, the Border-Gavaskar Trophy is currently level 1-1. Having lost the Perth Test, Australia clinched the red-ball contest in Adelaide by 10 wickets, while the rain-hit Gabba Test ended in a draw.
Jasprit Bumrah is currently the leading wicket-taker in BGT 2024-25
Even as Team India have been inconsistent in the ongoing Border-Gavaskar Trophy, Bumrah's performance has been sensational. He is the leading wicket-taker in the series so far, with 21 scalps from six innings at an average of 10.90. The 31-year-old picked up four wickets in Adelaide and nine in Brisbane.