'Getting Bumrah’d!’: Usman Khawaja Admits Struggles Against Indian Star Pacer

Jasprit Bumrah against Australia [Source: AP]

Australian opener Usman Khawaja has named Indian fast bowler Jasprit Bumrah as the toughest bowler he’s ever faced. During the recent Border-Gavaskar Trophy, Khawaja admitted he struggled to handle Bumrah’s relentless bowling. In a light-hearted comment, he said he was “just getting Bumrah’d” throughout the series.

Khawaja expressed relief that he didn’t have to face Bumrah in the final innings of the Sydney Test. Bumrah, who had dismissed Khawaja six times in nine innings before that, missed the last day due to a back spasm. Khawaja described Bumrah as an “absolute nightmare” to face and was glad to see him sitting out.

“I was just getting Bumrah’d,” Khawaja said in an interview with ABC Sport. “It’s a shame he was injured, but thank god for us. Today would’ve been an absolute nightmare facing him on that wicket. He’s the toughest bowler I’ve ever faced.”

Bumrah's Dominant Performance Vs Khawaja

Bumrah had a spectacular series, taking 32 wickets in five matches at an average of 13.06 and a strike rate of 28.37. His efforts earned him the Player of the Series award, though India couldn’t avoid a 3-1 series defeat.

Despite his impressive stats, Bumrah’s excessive workload took a toll. He suffered a back spasm during the first innings of the Sydney Test, preventing him from bowling in the final innings. Australia chased down India’s target of 162 with six wickets to spare, securing the series win.

Travis Head, another Australian batter, echoed Khawaja’s sentiments. He too had struggled against Bumrah, falling to him four times during the series.

“I think there were 15 people really pleased that Bumrah didn’t bowl today,” Head said. “He’s a great performer and had an exceptional tour.”

Head played a key role in stabilising Australia’s chase in Sydney. He remained unbeaten on 34, building a crucial 46-run partnership with Khawaja for the fourth wicket. 

Jasprit Bumrah's Record-Breaking Feat

Jasprit Bumrah’s 32 wickets in the series set a new record for an Indian bowler in a single series in Australia. He surpassed Bishan Singh Bedi’s 1977-78 tally of 31 wickets. With three five-wicket hauls to his name, Bumrah showed why he’s considered one of the best fast bowlers in the world.

His exceptional performance earned him 907 points in the ICC Test rankings, the highest-ever rating for an Indian bowler. 

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