NEW DELHI: India’s pace spearhead and skipper Jasprit Bumrah showed his mettle on Day 1 of the fifth Test in the ongoing Border-Gavaskar Trophy 2024/25.
With the bat, Bumrah made a crucial 22 runs on Friday. Subsequently, this became the highest score by an Indian captain in the series, outstripping Rohit Sharma, who has struggled for runs.
The 31-year-old took the captaincy mantle in dramatic fashion after Rohit was dropped following a poor run of form, with just 31 runs in the series.
Rohit’s initial absence due to the birth of his second child and subsequent inability to recover form left India searching for leadership. Bumrah, having led the team to their first victory in BGT this time, took charge and immediately made his presence felt.
On a challenging pitch, where India’s top-order collapsed, Bumrah’s enterprising 22 off 17 balls injected much-needed energy.
His innings, studded with three fours and a majestic six, lifted India’s total to a modest yet potentially competitive 185.
Despite wickets falling around him, Bumrah showed grit and determination, exemplifying the fighting spirit India needed to stay alive in this high-stakes encounter.
As the day drew to a close, Bumrah’s influence extended beyond the bat.
Taking the new ball, the skipper delivered a good-length delivery to dismiss Australia’s prolific opener, Usman Khawaja, on the final ball of the day.
This wicket pegged Australia back to 9 for 1, setting the tone for a tight contest as the match heads into Day 2.
With 860 deliveries and 31 wickets in just five Tests of the series, Bumrah has been called into action, either with bat or ball, on every single day of this series.
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