Team India’s pace sensation Jasprit Bumrah delivered a stellar performance on the final day of the third Test at the Gabba, providing the breakthrough India needed in Australia’s second innings. On Wednesday, December 18, Bumrah dismissed Usman Khawaja in his second over with a peach of a delivery that left the left-hander clueless.
The day began with India resuming their innings at 252/9, with Bumrah and Akash Deep at the crease. Akash Deep, who contributed a valiant 31 off 44 balls, including two boundaries and a six, was soon dismissed, bringing an end to India’s innings. Australia had a significant lead but rain delayed their opportunity to bat again, causing an early interruption in play.
Once the rain subsided, Bumrah struck quickly during the third over of Australia’s second innings. He bowled a well-directed good-length delivery that angled sharply into Khawaja, sneaking through the gap between bat and pad. The ball clipped the back pad before crashing into the top of the off-stump, leaving Khawaja dismissed for just 8 runs.
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This marked the fourth time in the series that Bumrah had gotten the better of Khawaja, who has struggled throughout the series, managing only 63 runs at an average of 12.60 with a top score of 21. Jasprit Bumrah wasn’t done yet. Shortly after, he dismissed Marnus Labuschagne, solidifying his reputation as a match-winner in crucial moments.
There is simply no stopping Jasprit Bumrah!#AUSvIND pic.twitter.com/rQ5Btkk4Cq
— cricket.com.au (@cricketcomau) December 18, 2024
In doing so, Jasprit Bumrah achieved a historic milestone, surpassing the legendary Kapil Dev to become India’s leading wicket-taker in Australia. Bumrah now boasts 52 wickets on Australian soil, surpassing Kapil’s tally of 51 from 11 matches. Bumrah and Kapil remain the only two Indian bowlers to have taken 50+ wickets in Australia, with Anil Kumble trailing close behind with 49.
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In the ongoing Border-Gavaskar Trophy, Bumrah has been India’s standout performer with the ball, leading the wicket-takers’ chart with 20 scalps at a jaw-dropping average of 10.75. His best figures of 6/76 underline his ability to deliver in challenging conditions.
Bumrah’s brilliance with the ball continues to be a cornerstone of India’s fightback in the series, as his heroics give the team hope to remain competitive in what has been a fiercely contested Border-Gavaskar Trophy.
