"Jasprit Bumrah better captain than.."- Ex-Australia captain explodes

Australia's World Cup-winning captain Michael Clarke has made a stunning remark on Jasprit Bumrah's captaincy as he compared it with Australia's Pat Cummins. Clarke even claimed that Bumrah was better than Pat Cummins in some parts of the first Test between Australia and India in Perth.

Jasprit Bumrah led India in the absence of Rohit Sharma in Perth. Despite leading in just his second Test match, Bumrah was hardly troubled and ran the operations smoothly. His bowling changes worked for most parts.

Jasprit Bumrah's performance was excellent as well. He picked up eight wickets in the match and was also adjudged the Player of the Match for his performance. On the other hand, his compatriot Pat Cummins picked up 2-67 and 1-86 across both the innings.

Also read: Rohit Sharma officially confirms KL Rahul's position; drops hint on his own batting spot

Michael Clarke on expectations of Australia for the Adelaide Test

While speaking on ESPN's Around the Wicket show, Michael Clarke was asked about the magnitude of the upcoming Test match in Adelaide. Clarke claimed that it is a huge match for Australia and there will be expectations from the team since they are playing at home.

Michael Clarke admitted that Australia were outplayed in Perth but has a good record in day-night Tests in Adelaide. He has confidence in the team to put up a better show in the pink-ball Test.

"It's massive for Australia. A manner to get your fans and media off your back and unfortunately, when you play in front of your fans, it's heavy. You can't get away from it. There is an expectation. This Australian team has got every player apart from one above thirty. Senior players, lot of class, lot of knowledge and we expect them to win."

"We got outplayed well and truly in Perth. We want to see something different. So, it is a massive Test. We've had success in Adelaide in day-night Test matches. The boys know what to do. But it's about doing it, it's about showing up," Michael Clarke said on the show.

"It's massive for Australia!"

"It's heavy - you can't get away from it!"

"I hate to say it but Bumrah out-captained Patty in certain parts of the game in Perth."@MClarke23 on the significance of this Test.#AroundTheWicket @ESPNAusNZ @ESPNcricinfo https://t.co/rulleZdr6o pic.twitter.com/clzyRDHJD0

— Neroli Meadows (@Neroli_Meadows) December 4, 2024

Jasprit Bumrah out-captained Pat Cummins in Perth: Michael Clarke

Michael Clarke admitted that Jasprit Bumrah was better than Pat Cummins in various stages during Perth as a captain. He lauded Jasprit Bumrah for being aggressive and taking the hard challenges during the match.

"Even Patty Cummins, I hate to say it but Bumrah out-captained Patty in certain parts of the game in Perth. So, I'm sure would want to make sure, let's see what he does when he wins the toss. Bumrah batted on a wicket that seemed like it would do a bit. Everybody expected India to bowl first," Michael Clarke noted.

"He took it on, he took that challenge on, he was aggressive. That's going to be interesting to see. If Patty wins the toss, what's he going to do? What's his intent going to be like from this Australian team after getting beaten in conditions where we are most comfortable," he added.

"You've got to find ways to make changes" - Michael Clarke

Michael Clarke wants Australia to make a solid comeback in Adelaide and find ways to do well. He wants Australia to trump India's star players Jasprit Bumrah and Virat Kohli, which will help them level the series.

"We want to see them playing (Jasprit) Bumrah differently. We want to see them bowl differently to Virat Kohli compared to how they did in the second innings. You've got to find ways to make changes in the game and that's both individually and as a team," Clarke reckoned.

The second Test in Adelaide will begin on December 6. It is the only day-night Test of the series and will be played with the pink ball. India doesn't have fond memories of playing with the pink ball in Adelaide.

The Men in Blue were bundled out for just 36 the last time they played a pink-ball Test in Adelaide and went on to lose the game. They will be looking to continue their current form from the first Test and extend their lead in the series.