Jasprit Burmah triggered as Usman Khawaja risks labelling Indian speedster irrelevant

As Australia and India gear up for the highly anticipated Border-Gavaskar Trophy 2024-25, Usman Khawaja has shared his thoughts on the challenge of facing Jasprit Bumrah. They have crossed paths many times, so Khawaja is confident on how to deal with Bumrah’s unique bowling action, which will be one of the key challenges in the upcoming Test series.

The Australian opener has acknowledged that facing the Indian pacer is no easy task at all, especially because of his unorthodox action, which can make it tricky to read his deliveries. Known for his ability to generate sharp bounce and pace, Jasprit Bumrah’s unpredictability in the air has been a nightmare for many top-order batters, including Usman Khawaja.

Usman Khawaja confident to handle Jasprit Bumrah’s early threat in Border-Gavaskar Trophy 2024-25

Notably, Khawaja has so far survived in seven innings but could manage only 43 runs from 155 balls against Jasprit Bumrah. Despite not having significant success against the Indian pacer, the Australian opener is confident to handle the pressure in the upcoming five-match Test series at home.

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Ahead of the Perth Test, starting on November 22, the 37-year-old cricketer insisted that he is well aware that Bumrah's role in the early overs will be crucial, as the Indian bowler is known to strike early with the new ball, making him one of the toughest bowlers to face in any series, but he is ready for the exciting battle.

Usman Khawaja highlighted how Jasprit Bumrah’s unique bowling action makes it difficult to pick the ball early. Unlike most bowlers who release the ball near the popping crease, Bumrah’s action pushes the ball further out, making it feel faster than expected. Khawaja admitted that it’s awkward at first, but it becomes easier to face once he gets used to the action.

It's very awkward, but he's still a class bowler: Usman Khawaja

Usman Khawaja was quoted as saying by Fox Cricket: “I mean, when you first face him, it's just his action. It's a different, bizarre kind of action, as his release point is very different than other bowlers and It's just a bit further up. So, a lot of guys release the ball from near the popping crease. Against Bumrah, it feels like he gets a bit further out just with his front-braced leg and pushes the ball out.

So, it feels like it comes out and then gets there a lot quicker than you expect it. It's just once you get used to the action, it's fine. I played against him a lot. Not to say that he can't give me the first ball. I mean anyone can. But it's one of those things where once the first time you face him, it's very awkward, and then when you get a little bit of rhythm, it gets better. But he's still a class bowler.”

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Usman Khawaja reveals strategy for facing Jasprit Bumrah's unorthodox action in Test Series

However, Khawaja isn’t focusing on Bumrah’s potential to get him out, but the Australian opener is concentrating on finding areas to score runs against the ace Indian pacer in the upcoming Border-Gavaskar Trophy 2024-25. He looks to capitalize on any mistakes while respecting a well-bowled delivery by Bumrah, and this approach is key to success in Test cricket.

Khawaja signed off by saying, “I'm just not thinking about Jasprit Bumrah. You want to ask me, Where do you u think...?" I'm not thinking about where he is getting me out. I'm thinking about where I am scoring runs against him. And I'm sure all good batsmen would tell you exactly the same thing because if he misses, well, then I'm coming, and then if he bowls good stuff, then I'll respect that. So that's just Test cricket.”