India vs Australia: “Aimed at creating pressure from both ends” – Jasprit Bumrah speaks on India’s plans on Day 1

India vs Australia: “Aimed at creating pressure from both ends” – Jasprit Bumrah speaks on India’s plans on Day 1

Indian cricket team

Jasprit Bumrah celebrates a wicket

India went into the dug-out the happier of the two sides on Day 1 of the second Test against Australia at the Melbourne Cricket Ground. After losing the toss, India put on a strong show with the ball to bundle out the Aussies for just 195. Jasprit Bumrah began proceedings by dismissing Joe Burns for a duck. Ravichandran Ashwin then took care of the middle-order with excellent lines and lengths.

With the exception of Marnus Labuschagne who looked good in his 48-run knock, none of the Australian batters were able to get into rhythm. Bumrah ended up with four wickets while Ashwin took three. Debutant Mohammed Siraj who replaced the injured Mohammed Shami chipped in with two crucial wickets as well. In the second innings, India got to 36/1 after losing Mayank Agarwal in the first over.

‘We don’t want to be conservative’ – Bumrah

After the end of the first day’s play Jasprit Bumrah spoke to the media in a virtual conference about the Indian bowlers’ plans for the day. “We don’t think about all those (on being asked whether this was India’s best bowling performance on Day 1 of an overseas Test). We wanted to contribute. New guys were coming in and we obviously wanted to create as much pressure as possible. We are really happy with the effort that was put in. That was the main goal for us – to help each other and create pressure from both ends so that we create opportunities,” he said.

Bumrah was all praise for his fellow pacer Mohammed Siraj. He said, “Siraj has worked really hard and come up the ranks. He was eager to bowl in the first session itself. There wasn’t a lot happening after lunch and he bowled with a lot of control. Suddenly he started getting some movement and wanted to make the best of it. Playing his first Test match, he bowled really well and had confidence of using all his skills. It’s a heartening sign for us and hopefully he will continue doing that.”

Speaking further about the Indians’ focus for the next day, “We don’t want to be conservative in our mindset and be positive. Control the controllables. Not being reckless but playing with confidence will be the motive going forward. We are trying to focus on things that are in our hands. The focus will be on the first session tomorrow,” he added.

India will continue batting on Day 2 from 36/1 with Shubman Gill looking promising at 28*.

Also Read: India vs Australia: Virat Kohli elated with India’s strong performance on Day 1