Jasprit Bumrah may be this precise destroyer out on the turf, but away from it, he does have a sense of humour. As he faced the media at the Gabba here on Monday, he was asked about his assessment of the Indian batting with a caveat about probably him not being the ideal judge.
The spearhead’s riposte was instantaneous: “It’s interesting that you are questioning my batting ability. You should Google and see who has got the most number of runs in a Test (Bumrah was part of a 35-run heist off a Stuart Broad over at Birmingham in 2022). Jokes apart, that’s another story. We don’t as a team point fingers at each other. We as a team are going through a transition, a lot of new players are coming here (Australia) and it’s not the easiest place to play cricket.”
About the bowling attack, Bumrah added: “As a bowling unit, we are in transition. So, it’s my job to help others. I have played a little more than them. So, I am trying to help them. But again, everyone will learn through it and get better. This is the journey that every team will go through.”
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Specifically probed about Mohammed Siraj, Bumrah had his report card: “When we were at Perth and in the last game (at Adelaide), he looked in very good spirits. He was bowling well and has picked up a few wickets. In this Test, we have to give him credit as he had a little niggle but still kept bowling because he knew if he goes inside, then the team will be under pressure. He has a great attitude and a fighter’s spirit.”
Looking ahead, the speedster hoped that there would be a good batting partnership as India attempts to stay afloat against Australia in the third Test.