Sydney [Australia], January 6: Usman Khawaja entered the Border-Gavaskar Trophy unperturbed by the challenge of facing Jasprit Bumrah, as he had never been dismissed by the Indian pacer in their previous seven Test encounters. Khawaja even believed Bumrah became easier to face with more experience. However, the series unfolded differently, with Bumrah dismissing Khawaja six times in eight innings.
“To be honest, I was just getting Bumrah-ed,” Khawaja shared with ABC Sport after Australia regained the BGT in Sydney, as quoted by ESPNcricinfo. “It was friggin’ tough work. People were asking me ‘what’s going on?’ I’m being honest, I’m just getting Bumrah-ed,” he added.
Bumrah dominated the series with an outstanding performance, claiming 32 wickets at a remarkable average of 13.06, earning him the “Player of the Series” award. Despite missing a few innings due to back spasms, Bumrah’s impact was undeniable. Khawaja acknowledged that Australia gained confidence with Bumrah’s absence during the second innings at the SCG, where Australia secured a six-wicket win.
“You never want to see anyone injured and it’s a shame he was, but thank God for us. Because today would have been an absolute nightmare facing him on that wicket,” Khawaja remarked, noting the psychological shift when Bumrah was missing.
Khawaja further praised Bumrah’s growth, calling him “the toughest bowler I’ve ever faced” and lauding the pacer’s maturity and skill since his debut in the 2018-19 series. “He’s been something different this year,” Khawaja said, acknowledging the improvements Bumrah has made, especially in his ability to bowl strategically and execute plans for each batsman.
“He was always good, but he’s six years more mature, a better bowler, and he understands his skills,” Khawaja added. “I’ve never found someone so hard to score off and get off strike as Bumrah. You always feel like he’s got a wicket ball up his sleeve.”