Jasprit Bumrah Shines with 5-Wicket Haul in Gabba Test Against Australia

 

Jasprit Bumrah once again proved his skill on the second day of the third Border-Gavaskar Trophy Test against Australia, taking a brilliant five-wicket haul at the Gabba. Though Australia dominated much of the day, Bumrah's relentless effort provided India with a crucial opportunity, reducing the hosts to 347 for 6 when this article was written.

At 31 years of age, Bumrah claimed his 12th five-wicket haul in Test cricket, his fourth on Australian soil. This places him equal with the great Anil Kumble for the most five-wicket hauls by an Indian bowler in Australia. Only Kapil Dev has bettered him with 23 such hauls in Test cricket.

After rain restricted the play to only 13.2 overs on Day 1, India had a mountainous task to climb down when they returned to bowl in tricky conditions. Bumrah made an early impact when he sent back both the Australian openers, Usman Khawaja and Nathan McSweeney, within the first hour of play. His seam was sharp and accurate, the key to his success.

Vaughan Praises Bumrah's Masterclass in Seam Bowling

THE BEST CRICKETER CURRENTLY IN ALL-FORMATS 🔥

- It's Jasprit Bumrah. pic.twitter.com/IBOqDA34pF

— Johns. (@CricCrazyJohns) December 15, 2024

The day quickly became a tough one for the Indian bowlers. Steve Smith and Travis Head launched a strong counterattack, putting together a massive partnership. Head’s explosive 152 off 160 balls and Smith’s elegant century gave Australia control as the Gabba pitch started to settle.

When the second new ball came into operation in the 80th over, Bumrah was introduced back into the attack, and that was the game-changer. His spell was brilliant-the one that had Smith to a delivery which tempted the batter into a false drive; Rohit Sharma took the catch sharply at slip and then Mitchell Marsh got out when he edged a tentative shot to Virat Kohli at second slip.

But the highlight was Bumrah's dismissal of the in-form Head. Bowling round the wicket, Bumrah delivered a brilliant delivery that angled in before straightening just enough to catch the edge, leaving Head stunned.

In just 12 balls, Bumrah took three important wickets, which opened up an opportunity for India to go back into the game despite a tough afternoon. Former cricketer and commentator Michael Vaughan praised Bumrah, saying, "Again and again, he hits that length that brings the batter forward but doesn't allow them to drive. It's a masterclass in relentless bowling."

SEE ALSO: Travis Head's brilliant hundred helps Australia fight back after losing early wickets