[Watch] Jasprit Bumrah strikes again to dismiss Usman Khawaja and Steve Smith off consecutive deliveries in 1st BGT 2024-25 TestÂ
Team India skipper Jasprit Bumrah is leading the side from the front with the ball after picking up three wickets so far in his first spell on Day 1 of the first 2024-25 Border-Gavaskar Test in Perth. After trapping Nathan McSweeney LBW in the third over of the innings, the right-arm pacer dismissed Usman Khawaja and Steve Smith off consecutive deliveries in the seventh over.
With only 150 runs on the board from the first innings, the skipper had to weave magic with the ball for Team India to have any say in the contest. Bumrah had the chance to dismiss Marnus Labuschagne for a duck, but a spilled chance by Virat Kohli gave the batter a huge reprieve.
Coming around the wicket for the left-handed Usman Khawaja, the right-arm pacer made an impact straightaway. The veteran opener edged one to the second slip while trying to defend a delivery that nipped away, and this time Kohli did not make any mistake.
Steve Smith, batting at No. 4 for the first time since the Pakistan series in late 2023, was welcomed by a fullish delivery that jagged well back in after pitching. The middle-order batter was in a terrible shape while trying to attempt a stroke, with his bat not accounting for the incoming movement, and still stranded well outside the off stump.
The umpire raised his finger in a split second while Smith did not opt for a review after a brief consultation with Labuschagne at the other end. The former skipper had to walk back with a golden duck to his name.
Have a look at the double strike right here:
Australia were reduced to 19-3 after seven overs following Bumrah's memorable over.
Bumrah's figures read 5-2-8-3 so far
The pacer has been on point in the first innings, making the most of the conditions on offer. He has kept Labuschagne pinned at one end, and still has enough time to have more of a say in the final session for the day.
Bumrah has bowled five overs so far, conceding only eight runs for his two wickets, and has bowled a couple of maiden overs as well.