"You look at the others you think, 'Can they execute?"- Former India coach slams bowlers for failing to support Jasprit Bumrah in 3rd BGT 2024-25 Test
Former Indian coach Ravi Shastri slammed the other bowlers for failing to support ace pacer Jasprit Bumrah in the third Border-Gavaskar Trophy Test in Brisbane. With the five-match series tied at 1-1 heading into the all-important third Test, India endured a torrid second day in Brisbane.
After a rain-marred opening day saw only 13.2 overs bowled, Australia's batters took toll of a sub-par Indian bowling performance to finish Day 2 at 405/7 in 101 overs. Despite the hosts' dominating display, Bumrah was at his usual best with outstanding figures of 5/72 in 25 overs.
However, the other bowlers combined for a dismal 2/333 in 76 overs - average of 166.50 and economy of 4.38.
Talking about the Indian bowling performance after Day 2, Shastri told SEN Radio as quoted by Hindustan Times:
"They were giving away runs on both sides. Bumrah has done most things right, but I think when you look at the others you think, 'Can they execute?' They have to think how to bowl on one side of the wicket."
He added:
"If (Head) has to score, if it’s the offside, then hold the line consistent. Then if he wants to go onside he has to take a chance. When you have someone cutting you for four and pulling you for four, it becomes very hard for the captain. Then when you pitch up he drives you for four."
Bumrah's support pacers Mohammed Siraj and Akash Deep combined for woeful figures of 1/175 in 47 overs, as India gave away the advantage of winning the toss and bowling first.
Jasprit Bumrah completed third five-wicket haul in Tests down under
Jasprit Bumrah completed his 12th Test five-wicket haul and a third in Australia in the red-ball format on Day 2 of the ongoing Brisbane Test.
The champion pacer picked up a five-wicket haul in the series opener at Perth to help India pull off a 295-run victory. Bumrah is also the leading wicket-taker in the 2024-25 Border-Gavaskar Trophy with 17 wickets at a stunning average of 12.17.
The 31-year-old also made it 10 five-wicket hauls in Tests outside Asia and took his overall tally to 190 scalps in 43 matches at an average of 19.82.
Bumrah bagged both Aussie openers Usman Khawaja and Nathan McSweeney early on Day 2. He then returned to strike thrice in quick succession with the second new ball, picking up Steve Smith, Mitchell Marsh and Travis Head.