"His release point is very different than other bowlers" - Usman Khawaja on facing Jasprit Bumrah in Border-Gavaskar Trophy 2024/25
Australia opener Usman Khawaja is looking forward to facing India pacer Jasprit Bumrah in the upcoming Border-Gavaskar Trophy. Khawaja also analyzed Bumrah's action and explained how it made a significant difference as compared to other bowlers.
Bumrah, the leader of India's bowling attack, played a vital role in Team India's series wins Down Under on the last two occasions. The Ahmedabad-born speedster claimed 21 wickets in four Tests in the 2018-19 series and took 11 scalps in three matches in the 2020-21 leg.
Speaking to Fox Cricket about Bumrah, Khwaja explained:
"I mean, when you first face him, it's just his action. It's a different, bizarre kind of action as his release point is very different than other bowlers. It's just a bit further up. So a lot of guys release the ball from near the popping crease. [Against Bumrah] it feels like he gets a bit further out just with his front braced leg and pushes the ball out."
The Pakistan-born cricketer said he was aware that Bumrah could get him out on the first ball, but felt it was more comfortable to play him once you get used to his action.
"So it feels like it comes out and then gets there a lot quicker than you expect it. It's just once you get used to the action, it's fine. I played against him a lot. Not to say that he can't give me out first ball. I mean anyone can. But it's one of those things where once the first time you face him, it's very awkward and then when you get a little bit of rhythm it gets better. But he's still a class bowler."
With Mohammed Shami not available, Bumrah will have to shoulder majority of the responsiblity, alongside Mohammed Siraj. Prasidh Krishna has also made a case to play in the series after doing well for India A against Australia A.
"They actually have a lot of other good bowlers" - Usman Khawaja on Team India
Khawaja added that Australia need to be wary of other Indian bowlers too instead of focussing only on Bumrah, stating:
"Everyone talks about Jasprit, but they actually have a lot of other good bowlers. I think [Mohammed] Siraj is a very good bowler. He's a very good bowler to both right-handers and left-handers. When [Mohammed] Shami was fit, when he was playing those series, he was a very good bowler. He was very underrated. No one really talked about him."
Australia have lost the last four Test series against Team India.