Indian pacer Jasprit Bumrah is on fire in the Day 2 morning session as he handed two major blows to Australia in the ongoing Day-Night Test of the Border-Gavaskar Trophy 2024-25 at the Adelaide Oval. After removing Nathan McSweeney for 39 runs, Bumrah got rid of Steve Smith.
On the first ball of the 41st over of the Australian innings, Jasprit Bumrah dealt a crucial blow, sending Steve Smith back to the pavilion in a rather unexpected fashion for just two runs at the Adelaide Oval. The seemingly harmless delivery, which angled down the leg side, successfully undid Steve Smith.
Steve Smith falls to Jasprit Bumrah’s craft as Rishabh Pant’s stunning catch turns the tide in the Adelaide Test
Smith, shuffling across the crease, attempted to flick the length ball fine as he aimed to guide it past the wicketkeeper. However, the Australian batting icon only managed a faint edge, and Rishabh Pant, ever alert, dived sharply to his left to complete a clean catch with both hands.
Read Also: Watch: Virat Kohli shows Nathan McSweeney his place with aggressive send-off
Frustrated with his shot-making, Smith shook his head in disbelief as he made the long walk back after scoring just 2 off 11 balls. On the other hand, Bumrah flashed a satisfied smile, knowing he had claimed the prized wicket of Australia’s star batter in an unusual fashion in Adelaide.
Cometh the hour, cometh the man! 🙌#JaspritBumrah strikes again & #SteveSmith gets caught behind by #RishabhPant! ☝#AUSvINDOnStar 2nd Test, Day 2 👉 LIVE NOW! #AUSvIND | #ToughestRivalry pic.twitter.com/ucdhgSbW6q
— Star Sports (@StarSportsIndia) December 7, 2024
Steve Smith vs Jasprit Bumrah battle in Tests
Speaking about the battle between Steve Smith and Jasprit Bumrah, the right-handed batter, who is one of the most prolific run-scorers of the modern era, has faced the sheer pace and absolute accuracy of Bumrah across the eight innings so far in the Test cricket.
The Indian pace spearhead, who is known for his unorthodox action and ability to deliver under pressure, has made life remarkably difficult for the Australian batting maestro during their duels in the whites, and it continued in the ongoing Border-Gavaskar Trophy 2024-25.
Facing 133 deliveries from Bumrah, Smith has managed to amass only 58 runs at a modest average of 14.50, and that shows the Indian pacer’s dominance, technique, and disciplined approach. Notably, this is the lowest batting average Smith has recorded against any bowler he has faced for at least 100 deliveries.
Basit Ali says Australia fears Jasprit Bumrah like they once feared Wasim Akram
Meanwhile, former Pakistan cricketer Basit Ali believes that Australia is now facing a level of fear when up against Jasprit Bumrah they once felt facing the legendary Wasim Akram. According to Basit, the Australian team is particularly focusing on Bumrah, avoiding taking risks against him.
He further noted that the Australian batters, much like their strategy against Wasim Akram, prefer to focus on scoring off other Indian bowlers while treating Bumrah with immense respect and caution. Basit also pointed out that this fear factor against Bumrah reminds him of the era when Wasim Akram instilled similar fear among the Australian batters.
Basit Ali said in a video on his YouTube channel: “Australia is focusing on Bumrah. They won’t take a chance against him. Maine agar Wasim Akram ke baad Australians ko kisi bowler se ghabraate hue dekha hai, toh woh Bumrah hai (after Wasim Akram, if I have seen the Australians scared of a bowler, it is Bumrah). They never took a chance against Wasim; they always tried scoring from the other end.”