Former Australia captain Allan Border believes a fully fit Jasprit Bumrah will be the key to India’s chances in the upcoming four-match Test series in Australia. India are eyeing a record third Border-Gavaskar Trophy win on the trot. The Virat Kohli-led side had won the last two editions of the series by a similar margin of 2-1.
The second triumph came in Australia during the 2018/19 season. It was India’s first-ever Test series win on the Australian soil and Jasprit Bumrah had played a key role in the triumph. The India pace spearhead had finished the series as the joint highest wicket-taker, taking a remarkable 21 wickets including a five-wicket haul at the Melbourne Cricket Ground.
And Allan Border believes Jasprit Bumrah will have to deliver a similar performance if India are eyeing another series win in Australia. Calling himself a big fan of the India pace spearhead, Allan Border said Bumrah has the potential to make a difference between the two sides .
“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,” said Allan Border.
“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.
“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. He (Bumrah) is a ripper. Just the way he plays his cricket, always has smile on his face. Lethal when he gets his rhythm going,” added Allan Border.
The four-match series gets underway on December 17 with the historic day-night Test at the Adelaide Oval. It will be the first-ever day-night Test between the two teams.