Ind vs Aus BGT series: Bumrah hopes to replicate his excellence at SCG

Jasprit Bumrah's lethal bowling style dominates the Border-Gavaskar Trophy series, with 203 wickets at an average of 19.42.

A slow walk gathering pace, legs suddenly whirring while approaching the bowling crease, back arching and the ball being released as if from a high-strung catapult. This is the signature Jasprit Bumrah style, almost similar to the manner in which aeroplanes gently roll before munching tarmac in the blink of an eye and being airborne.

In the latest Border-Gavaskar Trophy series, Bumrah has been at his menacing best. Stumps have been disturbed, edges grazed and such is his impact that even a delivery that may not necessarily demand a wicket would still yield one as batters rushed their shots.

There was theatre when Shane Warne bowled; an equally dramatic rush happens when Bumrah is at work. Great players impose their will on contests. Kapil Dev during India’s 1991-92 tour Down Under bagged 25 wickets. Thirty two years later, another Indian fast bowler has 30 scalps from just four Tests while the Sydney Cricket Ground (SCG) awaits the fifth Test here from Friday.

Kapil’s was the late wind that lit up a stunning career in its twilight. For Bumrah, aged 31 and with 44 Tests under his belt, this is the middle stage, and his current tally of 203 wickets in cricket’s longer format is bound to quadruple. To bag 200 plus with an average of 19.42 is spectacular. He is the first bowler to get to this milestone while the average stayed below the twenty mark.

Prior to Rohit Sharma’s return as captain at Adelaide, Bumrah led India well in the triumphant first Test at Perth. While the subsequent contests witnessed Australia’s comeback and a series scoreline of 2-1 now favours the host, Bumrah has remained undaunted. Even as a tailender, he has put a price on his wicket.

After castling Sam Konstas in Australia’s second dig at the Melbourne Cricket Ground, the speed merchant mimicked the opener’s crowd-rousing gestures. It was a rare hint of raw emotion. When Nathan Lyon suffered a similar outcome, the timber-dismantler just stood and held a cold gaze.

This was the hero in a Wild Western, gunning down rivals with a phlegmatic air. After going through the ‘Bumrah inquisition’ on the pitch, every Australian batter has been subjected to the ‘Bumrah question’ in press conferences. Their usual responses reflected shock and awe.