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On Thursday, January 2, Australia captain Pat Cummins confirmed their playing XI for the upcoming Sydney Test, set to be played from January 3 onwards. While confirming a change in their XI, Pat Cummins also spoke how the side will aim to tackle the Indian spearhead Jasprit Bumrah.
Indian spearhead Jasprit Bumrah has been the standout performer in the ongoing five-match Border-Gavaskar Trophy (BGT) 2024-25. The Indian pacer has been the leading wicket-taker not only for India, but also in the series, bagging 30 scalps from four Tests at an average of 12.83. Moreover, Bumrah was the best bowler in Tests in 2024 with 71 wickets from 13 matches at an average of 14.92.
He is always tough: Pat Cummins on Jasprit Bumrah
Speaking on the eve of the New Year’s Test, Aussie captain when asked how the team will tackle Jasprit Bumrah in Sydney, he replied, "Bumrah is bowling well at the moment. He is always tough." "Hopefully, by the time I come in, late in the day, he has bowled quite a bit, which might make it a bit easier for me. But he is bowling well. I’ve faced him quite a bit across the world in different formats, and he always poses a challenge," he further added.
Engaging in a lighter moment with the reporters, Cummins reflected on his fortune in the previous match, saying, "Last game, it helped as I was in the non-striker's end. That certainly helped." Moreover, on Wednesday, January 1, Jasprit Bumrah surpassed legendary spinner R Ashwin’s all-time record in ICC Test Rankings. The 31-year-old achieved highest rating points ever by an Indian bowler and solidified his position at the top of the ICC Men's Test Bowling Rankings.
