India’s pace spearhead, Jasprit Bumrah, delivered one of the standout balls of the Border-Gavaskar Trophy (BGT) 2024-25 during the fourth Test in Melbourne, sending Travis Head back to the pavilion with a brilliant delivery. Head, who had been in red-hot form, was left stunned by the exceptional skill and precision shown by Bumrah.
The fourth Test kicked off on December 26 with Pat Cummins winning the toss and choosing to bat first at the iconic Melbourne Cricket Ground (MCG). Australia had a solid start, powered by the aggressive debut innings of Sam Konstas, while Usman Khawaja and Marnus Labuschagne both scored half-centuries, putting the Indian bowlers under pressure.
The breakthrough came in the 67th over of Australia’s innings when Jasprit Bumrah came into the attack. With the ball pitched just outside off stump and delivered from around the wicket, Travis Head chose to leave it, expecting it to miss the stumps.
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However, the ball seamed in unexpectedly, clipping the top of the off-stump and sending Travis Head walking back without adding to his score. It was a classic Jasprit Bumrah delivery—perfectly executed, leaving even the in-form Head no chance to score.
BUMRAH SEED TO GET HEAD FOR A DUCK!#AUSvIND | #DeliveredWithSpeed | @nbn_australia pic.twitter.com/ZlpIVFca5O
— cricket.com.au (@cricketcomau) December 26, 2024
This wicket was crucial for India, breaking a partnership that had been building momentum. Bumrah’s skilful bowling once again showed why he is one of the best pacers in the world, and his delivery to Head was a testament to his ability to produce moments of magic when needed most.
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Australia Playing XI: Usman Khawaja, Sam Konstas, Marnus Labuschagne, Steven Smith, Travis Head, Mitchell Marsh, Alex Carey (wk), Pat Cummins (c), Mitchell Starc, Nathan Lyon, Scott Boland.
India Playing XI: Yashasvi Jaiswal, Rohit Sharma (c), KL Rahul, Virat Kohli, Rishabh Pant (wk), Ravindra Jadeja, Nitish Kumar Reddy, Washington Sundar, Jasprit Bumrah, Mohammed Siraj, Akash Deep.
