The IND vs AUS third Test at the Gabba in Brisbane has been a hard-fought battle between the two cricketing giants. While the first day’s play saw some rain and interrupted play, it was the second day’s play that witnessed the true class of India’s best fast bowler, Jasprit Bumrah. The ace pacer sends off both Australian opener Usman Khawaja and Nathan McSweeney before the Lunch to give India an early breakthrough.
Bumrah’s masterful Trap for Usman Khawaja
Veteran Indian cricket legend Sunil Gavaskar provided a detailed analysis of how Bumrah set up the dismissal of Australian opener Usman Khawaja. According to Gavaskar, Bumrah’s plan was executed to perfection. “The way he (Bumrah) sets a batsman up is just class,” Gavaskar said. “The way he originally was bowling around the pads and a little bit wide outside the off stump. And then suddenly he gets the ball to go wide of the tree, angles the ball at both these batters and then gets the ball to hold its line or leave the batter. Superb, absolutely terrific.”
Bumrah’s Variation and Precision
Gavaskar further elaborated on how Bumrah’s ability to vary his line and length was the key to his success. “He’s gone wide of the crease, angled it from wide of the tree, and then got the ball to move away from the left-hander,” Gavaskar explained. “Wish Usman Khawaja had not taken on the stake.”
The veteran commentator also praised Bumrah’s control and the way he forced Khawaja to play at a delivery that was slightly outside the off-stump. “Even that delivery which is outside the off stump, a little bit of a half-volley, and he goes for it. And what a fine catch that was because you know the ball was travelling. He’d really given it everything.”
Siraj’s indirect contribution in Labuschagne’s wicket
Bumrah’s masterclass was not the only bright spot for the Indian team in the session. The rest of the bowling unit, led by Akash deep and Nitish Kumar Reddy, also put in a disciplined performance, keeping the Australian batters on a tight leash.
Siraj’s attempt to get under the skin of Marnus Labuschagne with the bails incident seemed to have worked, as the Australian batter was dismissed shortly after to Nitish Reddy. Steve Smith, on the other hand, made some visible changes to his stance and trigger movement, which seemed to have helped him weather the Indian bowling attack.
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