Indian pacer Jasprit Bumrah is on fire in the morning session on Day 2 as he dealt two big 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 manner for just two runs at the Adelaide Oval. The seemingly harmless delivery, which angled towards the leg side, successfully dismissed Steve Smith.
Steve Smith falls to Jasprit Bumrah’s boat as Rishabh Pant’s impressive catch turns the tide in the Adelaide Test
Shuffling along the crease, Smith tried to deliver the long ball well as he aimed to guide it past the keeper. However, the Australian batting icon only managed a slight lead, and Rishabh Pant, ever alert, dived sharply to his left to complete a clean catch with both hands.
Also Read: Watch: Virat Kohli shows Nathan McSweeney his place with an aggressive send-off
Frustrated by his shots, Smith shook his head in disbelief as he walked back after scoring just 2 off 11 balls. On the other hand, Bumrah flashed a satisfied smile, knowing that he had claimed the prized wicket of Australia’s star batsman in a rare manner in Adelaide.
The time comes, the man comes! 🙌#JaspritBumrah attack again and #SteveSmith gets trapped behind #RishabhPant! ☝#AUSvINDOnStar 2nd Test, Day 2 👉 LIVE NOW! #AUSWIND | #ToughestRivalry pic.twitter.com/ucdhgSbW6q
– Star Sports (@StarSportsIndia) December 7, 2024
Battle between Steve Smith and Jasprit Bumrah in testing
Talking about the battle between Steve Smith and Jasprit Bumrah, the right-handed batsman, one of the most prolific run-scorers of the modern era, has faced Bumrah’s sheer pace and sheer accuracy in all eight innings so far in the Test. cricket.
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The Indian spearhead, known for his unorthodox action and ability to perform under pressure, has made life remarkably difficult for the Australian batting maestro during his duels with the Whites, and this continued in the ongoing Border-Gavaskar Trophy 2024 -25.
Facing 133 deliveries from Bumrah, Smith has managed to amass just 58 runs at a modest average of 14.50, and that shows the command, technique and disciplined approach of the Indian pacer. 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 Australia now faces a level of fear when, against Jasprit Bumrah, he once felt he was facing the legendary Wasim Akram. According to Basit, the Australian team is especially focusing on Bumrah, avoiding taking risks against him.
He further noted that the Australian batsmen, like their strategy against Wasim Akram, prefer to focus on scoring 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 time when Wasim Akram instilled a similar fear among Australian batsmen.
Basit Ali said in a video on his YouTube channel: “Australia is focusing on Bumrah. They won’t take any chances 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 Australians scared by a bowler, it is Bumrah). They never took any chances against Wasim; “They always tried to score from the other side.”