India’s star pacer Jasprit Bumrah once again delivered a match-winning performance, bagging a brilliant five-wicket haul in the first innings of the third Test against Australia on Sunday, December 15, 2024. His fiery bowling rattled the Australian batting lineup and turned the tide in India’s favor.
Bumrah started by breaking the crucial partnership between Steve Smith and Travis Head, who had been steady at the crease. He dismissed Smith, who had scored a composed 65 off 149 balls, and followed it up by removing Mitchell Marsh and the in-form Travis Head, who had earlier scored a magnificent 103 off 118 balls.
Earlier in the day, the Australian batting lineup showed resilience during the morning session, accumulating 130 runs without losing a wicket. Head’s back-to-back hundreds, following his century in Adelaide, anchored Australia’s innings as the hosts reached 234 for three at tea on Day 2. Head’s steady knock was complemented by Smith, as the duo added an impressive 159-run partnership for the fourth wicket.
Jasprit Bumrah Fiery Spell Wrecks Australia
Bumrah set the tone early on the second day, dismissing opener Usman Khawaja. The breakthrough came when Nathan McSweeney edged a delivery to slips, where Virat Kohli took a sharp catch, giving Bumrah his second wicket.
Despite efforts by Labuschagne and Smith to stabilize the innings, India’s disciplined bowling kept the scoring rate in check. Labuschagne, struggling to find his rhythm, was dismissed for just 12 after an expansive drive off Nitish Kumar Reddy resulted in a thick edge to Kohli at second slip.
Bumrah’s outstanding performance has put India in a strong position, showcasing his ability to deliver under pressure and lead the attack with precision.
