Perth – Ace Indian pacer Jasprit Bumrah reflected on his approach to challenging scenarios after his match-winning performance in the first Test against Australia. Bumrah, who claimed eight wickets in the match, played a crucial role in India’s emphatic 295-run victory at the Optus Stadium, a win that set the tone for the Border-Gavaskar Trophy.
Thriving Under Pressure
Speaking at the post-match press conference, Bumrah emphasized his preference for taking responsibility during high-pressure moments, both as a bowler and captain. “In tough situations, I automatically look for ways to contribute. Even when I’m not the captain, I think about what I can do to make an impact,” Bumrah explained. “I like to take on those difficult scenarios to make things easier for the newer players stepping in.”
This mindset proved invaluable for young bowlers like Harshit Rana and Nitish Kumar Reddy, who stepped up at critical moments in the game.
Supporting the Team in Every Role
Despite leading India to a historic win, Bumrah will relinquish the captaincy when Rohit Sharma returns for the second Test in Adelaide. When asked how he felt about stepping down, Bumrah responded with humor. “I’m not going to tell Rohit I want to stay captain,” he joked, before adding more earnestly, “Rohit has done a phenomenal job as captain, and I was just filling in. I’ll continue supporting him in any way I can.”
Turning the Game Around
India’s resilience was tested after being bowled out for just 150 in the first innings. However, Bumrah praised the team’s response, particularly the bowlers who dismissed Australia for a mere 104 in their first innings. “The team showed great character and belief, even when under pressure,” he said. Bumrah also highlighted key contributions in the second innings, including Virat Kohli’s century and significant runs from the newcomers, as positive takeaways.
Tactical Adjustments on a Challenging Pitch
Bumrah credited the bowling unit’s discipline and adaptability for their success on the Perth pitch. “There was help in the wicket, especially with the new ball, so the focus was on making the batters play as much as possible. We aimed to stick to a good length rather than bowling too short, which can be tempting with the extra bounce in Perth,” he explained.
The team’s ability to exploit the conditions led to wickets through LBWs and edges, highlighting their strategic execution. Bumrah cautioned against desperation in such conditions, noting that excessive eagerness often leads to higher run rates.
Looking Ahead to Adelaide
With the second Test set to be a day-night affair, Bumrah emphasized the importance of starting afresh. “Adelaide will present a new challenge with the pink ball. While we can carry confidence from this win, we have to begin from scratch and adapt to the conditions,” he said.
Bumrah expressed his belief in the team’s ability to build on their success, encouraging them to take lessons from Perth into their preparations for the upcoming Test.
India’s strong performance in the series opener has laid a solid foundation, and under Rohit Sharma’s leadership, they’ll aim to continue their momentum in Adelaide.
