Khawaja Hails Bumrah as Toughest Bowler, Reflects on Australia’s Sydney Victory
Australia’s opening batter Usman Khawaja has praised India’s fast-bowling spearhead Jasprit Bumrah as the toughest bowler he has ever faced in his cricketing career. Reflecting on the intense Border-Gavaskar Trophy series, Khawaja quipped that he was “just getting Bumrah’d” throughout the contest.
Bumrah’s exceptional bowling throughout the series earned him the Player of the Series award, as he claimed 32 wickets in five matches at an impressive average of 13.06 and a strike rate of 28.37. However, despite his efforts, India couldn’t avoid a 3-1 series defeat, with Australia securing a six-wicket win in Sydney to close out the series.
“I was just getting Bumrah’d. It’s a shame he was injured, but thank God for us. Today would’ve been an absolute nightmare facing him on that wicket. As soon as we didn’t see him out there, we thought, ‘Alright, we’ve got a chance here.’ He’s the toughest bowler I’ve ever faced,” Khawaja told ABC Sport after the victory.
Khawaja and Head Shine in Australia’s Chase
The win in Sydney was built on key contributions from Australia’s batters, including Khawaja and Travis Head. Head, who remained unbeaten on 34, played a crucial role in Australia’s successful chase of 162. Head shared his thoughts on the pivotal partnership he formed with Khawaja, saying, “Nice to contribute, I don’t worry about the results too much. Two great teams, felt like it would be nice if I could come out and contribute. Same approach as always, felt like I was moving well.”
Head emphasized how a strong partnership with Khawaja gave him confidence in the run chase. “I knew that if I could build a partnership with Usman, we would be well-placed,” he added. Reflecting on the intense series, Head acknowledged the challenges the team faced, especially after India’s impressive performance in the last series in Australia, including the tough contest in Perth.
Debutants and Standouts Shine
All-rounder Beau Webster, who made an impactful debut in the Sydney Test with scores of 57 and 39 not out, a wicket, and two sharp catches, expressed his satisfaction with the match’s atmosphere. “It’s been a hell of a game, couldn’t have asked for much more. Great crowd, great atmosphere. I was counting down the runs, pretty confident the whole chase,” Webster said.
Webster added that being part of such a memorable game, particularly as a debutant, was unexpected but fulfilling. “Nice couple of weeks to be around the lads. To get a chance in the last one was a bit unexpected but it was great,” he said.
Starc Faces Injury and Prepares for Sri Lanka Tour
Left-arm pacer Mitchell Starc, who struggled with a back injury throughout the series, revealed he was feeling quite sore after the Sydney Test. He plans to take six days off before preparing for Australia’s upcoming tour of Sri Lanka later this month. “It’s taken a little bit of a toll. It’s why we play Test cricket, push the needle as far as it’ll go. I tried to take the handbrake off the other day and might have pushed it a little too far,” Starc admitted.
Starc also mentioned that he would be commentating on the upcoming Women’s Ashes series starting on January 12, where his wife, Alyssa Healy, will captain the Australian women’s team.
Looking Ahead: Sri Lanka and Recovery
As Australia celebrates its victory in the Border-Gavaskar Trophy, players like Starc and Head are already looking forward to the upcoming challenges, including the Sri Lanka tour. Despite the grueling nature of the series, the Australian players are preparing for the next chapter in international cricket while recovering from the physical toll of a demanding series. For now, Khawaja, Head, and the rest of the team can relish their victory, knowing that they overcame a formidable Indian side led by Bumrah.
