The much-anticipated Border-Gavaskar Trophy for 2024-25 kicks off on November 22 at Perth’s Optus Stadium, with both India and Australia poised for a competitive five-match Test series. Team India has already arrived on Australian shores and is deep into practice sessions at the WACA Stadium, sharpening their strategies for the first encounter.
Amid this intense preparation, individual rivalries are adding to the excitement, particularly the one between India’s star pacer Jasprit Bumrah and Australian opener Usman Khawaja. Usman Khawaja, who has faced Bumrah in seven Test innings without being dismissed by him, admitted that Bumrah’s unusual bowling action poses a unique challenge for batters. Although Khawaja has scored just 43 runs off 155 deliveries against Bumrah, he emphasized how tricky the pacer’s style can be.
“It’s just his action—it’s different, almost bizarre,” Usman Khawaja told Fox Cricket. He elaborated that Bumrah’s unusual release point makes the delivery feel quicker than expected. “He gets a bit further out with his braced front leg, and it feels like the ball arrives faster than you anticipate. It’s awkward at first, but once you find some rhythm, it gets easier.”
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The Australian left-hander acknowledged Bumrah’s skill but hinted at a growing confidence against him, suggesting that while Bumrah is a threat, he’s not invincible. However, Khawaja was quick to emphasize that India’s bowling arsenal extends beyond Bumrah, offering further insights into Australia’s strategic concerns.
“Everyone talks about Jasprit, but they actually have a lot of other good bowlers,” he admitted. “Siraj, for instance, is a very good bowler to both right-handers and left-handers. And Shami, when he’s fit, is also underrated—he’s an excellent bowler.”
Usman Khawaja’s remarks seem to reveal a glimpse into Australia’s dressing room discussions, where India’s bowling depth is well acknowledged. The Australian team is acutely aware of the threat posed by India’s comprehensive attack, including spinners who are expected to complement the pacers effectively on Australia’s bouncier tracks. For Australia, the upcoming series holds special significance.
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After suffering back-to-back home defeats in the last two editions of the Border-Gavaskar Trophy, Australia is eager to reassert dominance on their own soil. The pressure is high on the hosts, who know that beating India this time around will require more than just resilience against one bowler—it will demand skill and endurance against an entire lineup of formidable bowlers. As the series opener draws near, all eyes are on how Australia’s top order, led by Khawaja, handles India’s versatile and potent bowling attack.
