India vs Australia: ‘He could be the real difference’ – Allan Border reckons a ‘fit’ Jasprit Bumrah will be key for India


India vs Australia: ‘He could be the real difference’ – Allan Border reckons a ‘fit’ Jasprit Bumrah will be key for India

Jasprit Bumrah and Allan Border

Jasprit Bumrah and Allan Border
Jasprit Bumrah and Allan Border

The last couple of years has seen Jasprit Bumrah improve leaps and bounds in international cricket. Bumrah debuted in Test cricket in 2018. And not many believed, back then, that the speedster’s unique action will allow him to play for a long time, let alone succeeding. But Bumrah’s resilience has proved his critics wrong as he continues to flourish with the red ball. He spearheaded the Indian attack during India‘s 2018-19 tour to Australia as he scalped 21 wickets in four games.

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And Allan Border believes that Bumrah will be the key to retaining the Border Gavaskar Trophy this time around too. Declaring himself as Bumrah’s fan, the former Aussie captain asserts that if he is able to keep himself fit throughout the series, Bumrah has the ability to turn the series around. The former Australia skipper adds that the pace and assistance in Aussie pitches amplify Bumrah’s prowess with the red ball.

Well, I am a huge fan of Bumrah. If he keeps himself fit. We are talking of a guy who can win games for you fellows. I worry about him because on our pitches you get a little bit of bounce and sideways movement,” Border was quoted by TOI. “For India to win, I am worried about Bumrah. If he fires up like he did last time, get important wickets, ruffle a few feathers with the ball, I reckon he could be the real difference.

Aussies will really enjoy Kohli’s absence

Virat Kohli in the Nottingham Test 2018
Virat Kohli

Border asserts that Bumrah will be key if India aims to take 20 wickets. With Ishant Sharma missing the series, Bumrah and Mohammed Shami will have to step up to recreate their past heroics. Border is also impressed by the Bumrah carries himself around the field. And labels him as “lethal” once he gets his rhythm right.

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You always think that your batting line-up will get enough runs, you need the 20 wickets to win the Test. If he stays fit, he is the one who is going to be a key,” the former Australia skipper added.

He (Bumrah) is a ripper. Just the way he plays his cricket, always has a smile on his face. Lethal when he gets his rhythm going.

India captain Virat Kohli‘s absence has been the talk of the town in the build-up to the Test series. Kohli will be leaving for home following the series opener for the birth of his first child. And Border hails it as a welcome change for the hosts. The legendary Aussie batsman adds that while the Aussies will be favourites in his absence, Kohli will try to get his side off to a good start before he leaves.

I agree, there will be a huge gap in that line-up — just his (Kohli’s) presence around that team and out on the field. I think the Aussies will really enjoy that they don’t have to bowl to him for three of the Test matches.

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So he will want to hit the ground running at Adelaide and try and get India off to a flying start and see what happens from there,” he said. “It’s hard to replace anyone like him. So we have to wait and see the impact it has but surely the Aussies will be favourites for the games where he is not playing. That is for sure.

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