“His release point is very different than other bowlers” – Usman Khawaja on facing Jasprit Bumrah in Border-Gavaskar Trophy 2024/25

Australian opener Usman Khawaja has opened up on facing Jasprit Bumrah’s challenge in the Border-Gavaskar series against India. Bumrah is all set to lead India in the opening Test at Perth in the absence of Rohit Sharma and he will look to lead from the front.

Khawaja admitted that Bumrah’s release point is further up as compared to other bowlers. Bumrah releases the ball a bit late and he can hurry the opposition batters with his awkward action and extra pace. 

Usman Khawaja said on Fox Cricket, “I mean, when you first face him, it’s just his action. It’s a different, bizarre kind of action as his release point is very different than other bowlers. It’s just a bit further up. So a lot of guys release the ball from near the popping crease. [Against Bumrah] it feels like he gets a bit further out just with his front braced leg and pushes the ball out.”

The left-hander said Bumrah is easier to face when one gets used to his action.

“So it feels like it comes out and then gets there a lot quicker than you expect it. It’s just once you get used to the action, it’s fine. I played against him a lot. Not to say that he can’t give me out first ball. I mean anyone can. But it’s one of those things where once the first time you face him, it’s very awkward and then when you get a little bit of rhythm it gets better. But he’s still a class bowler.”

The ace pacer has scalped 32 wickets in seven Test matches against Australia at an impressive average of 21.25.

On the other hand, Khawaja reckons India has also got good other bowlers in their squad. India has picked Mohammed Siraj, Akash Deep, Harshit Rana, Prasidh Krishna, Ravichandran Ashwin, and Ravindra Jadeja.

“Everyone talks about Jasprit, but they actually have a lot of other good bowlers. I think [Mohammed] Siraj is a very good bowler. He’s a very good bowler to both right-handers and left-handers. When [Mohammed] Shami was fit, when he was playing those series, he was a very good bowler. He was very underrated. No one really talked about him.”

The opening Test match between India and Australia will be played at Perth from November 22 onwards.