India’s Jasprit Bumrah bowls to depart Australia’s Steve Smith during Day 2 of the third Test match, at the Gabba Stadium in Brisbane on Sunday.
| Photo Credit: ANI

Jasprit Bumrah may be this precise destroyer out on the turf, but away from it, he does have a sense of humour.

As he faced the media at the Gabba here on Monday (December 16, 2024), he was asked about his assessment of the Indian batting with a caveat about probably him not being the ideal judge.

The spearhead’s riposte was instantaneous: “It’s interesting that you are questioning my batting ability. You should Google and see who has got the most number of runs in a Test (Bumrah was part of a 35-run heist off a Stuart Broad over at Birmingham in 2022). Jokes apart, that’s another story. We don’t as a team point fingers at each other. We as a team are going through a transition, a lot of new players are coming here (Australia) and it’s not the easiest place to play cricket.”

About the bowling attack, Bumrah added: “As a bowling unit, we are in transition. So, it’s my job to help others. I have played a little more than them. So, I am trying to help them. But again, everyone will learn through it and get better. This is the journey that every team will go through.”

Specifically probed about Mohammed Siraj, Bumrah had his report-card: “When we were at Perth and in the last game (at Adelaide), he looked in very good spirits. He was bowling well and has picked up a few wickets. In this Test, we have to give him credit as he had a little niggle but still kept bowling because he knew if he goes inside, then the team will be under pressure. He has a great attitude and a fighter’s spirit.”

Looking ahead, the speedster hoped that there would be a good batting partnership as India attempts to stay afloat against Australia in the third Test.