NEW DELHI: “You are questioning my batting ability,” Jasprit Bumrah might have jokingly answered a journalist query, but the India pace spearhead showed that besides being a top-ranked Test bowler, he also possesses what it takes to be a batter, especially in crunch situations.
“Hi, Jasprit. What is your assessment of the batting, although you are not the best person to answer the question, but what do you think about the situation of the team, considering the conditions in Gabba?,” journalist asked after the third day of the third Test in Brisbane.
“It’s an interesting question. But, you are questioning my batting ability. You should use Google and see who has got the most number of runs in a Test over. But, jokes apart. That’s another story,” Bumrah gave journalist a reality check on Monday.
Bumrah reminded everyone of his unique achievement as a batter: holding the record for the most runs scored in a single over in Test cricket – 35 runs off Stuart Broad.
On the penultimate day of the Brisbane Test, when India’s top order crumbled like a pack of cards, Bumrah ensured to walk the talk, rising to the occasion to bail India out of a precarious position.
KL Rahul Press Conference
India found themselves in deep trouble, reeling at 213/9 and needing another 33 runs to avoid the follow-on. However, what followed reflected that Bumrah can also excel with the bat when the team needs him the most.
Bumrah frustrated Australia’s star-studded bowling attack with his dogged resistance, holding his nerve to help India avert the follow-on, as they finished the day’s play at 252/9 still 193 runs behind Australia’s first innings 445.
Bumrah forged a resilient 39-run partnership for the 10th-wicket with Akash Deep which is the highest 10th-wicket stand for India at the Gabba and the second-highest last-wicket partnership overseas since 2020. Interestingly, Bumrah was also part of the biggest one – a 50-run stand with Mohammed Siraj against England.
Bumrah displayed a strong defensive technique during the last hour of play, effectively handling both fast bowlers and spin deliveries with assurance.
The highlight of his unbeaten 10 off 27 balls was a six, where he pulled Australian captain Pat Cummins over fine leg. However, Bumrah played second fiddle to Akash Deep, who entertained everyone with an unbeaten 27 off 31 balls, including two fours and a six.
Bumrah has scored 310 runs in 43 matches at a modest average of 7.20, but these numbers don’t reflect the importance of the crucial cameos he plays for the team.
