Brisbane [Australia], December 15: India’s pace spearhead, Jasprit Bumrah, has proven to be a constant menace for the Australian openers in the ongoing Border-Gavaskar Trophy series. Usman Khawaja and Nathan McSweeney have struggled against Bumrah throughout the series, with the Indian fast bowler continuing to dominate, even on Australia’s home turf at The Gabba.
Across the first three Tests, the Australian opening duo has found it difficult to score runs while facing Bumrah. In total, they have managed just 30 runs off 121 balls, averaging a mere 4.28 runs per over. Bumrah, on the other hand, has dismissed them seven times in the series.
McSweeney, in particular, has been Bumrah’s prime target. In his brief Test career, McSweeney has been dismissed four times in five innings, scoring only 12 runs from 52 deliveries against the Indian bowler.
The struggles continued in the third Test, where the Australian openers faced another tough day. After a rain-affected opening day in Brisbane, Bumrah, partnered with Akash Deep, continued to apply pressure. The breakthrough came when Bumrah had Khawaja caught for 21 after an outside edge. In his next over, Bumrah made quick work of McSweeney, who was caught behind by Virat Kohli at second slip after failing to cover his line.
Since the early breakthroughs, Steven Smith and Travis Head have been working hard to repair the damage and stabilize the Australian innings.