Ravi Shastri lauds ‘world-class’ Jasprit Bumrah after fast bowler’s spectacular spell against Australia

Former Indian head coach Ravi Shastri hailed Jasprit Bumrah after his amazing spell against Australia in the first innings of the opening Test at Perth. Bumrah returned with impressive figures of 5-30 in the first essay as he bowled at his absolute best.

The ace pacer trapped debutant Nathan McSweeney in front of the wickets. Subsequently, the stand-in Indian skipper accounted for Usman Khawaja and talisman batter Steve Smith on successive deliveries.

The gun pacer then had his opposite number, Pat Cummins, and dismissed Alex Carey with his first ball on the second day. 

Shastri said that Bumrah will dominate the front pages of Australian newspapers and earn the respect of the opposition media and fans if he keeps performing like this at the top level.

Shastri said on Star Sports “Bumrah has played on the front foot against Australia. If you can look them in the eyes and perform in front of them then you will earn respect. And just wait and watch, after Kohli, Bumrah will be the next, wherever you go. He will because he is a world-class fast bowler.”

“One thing [about] the Australian crowd or media [is that we] should accept that if any big cricket is played in front of them then they give a lot of respect. So, if you look at today’s front page [of newspapers], it is Bumrah today. But if you bowl a spell like the one by Bumrah yesterday [on Day 1] then you will definitely come on the front page, you will earn the respect,” he added.

Bumrah has been absolutely sensational for India and he played a key role in helping the visitors take a 46-run lead in the first innings. 

India ended the second day at 172-0 with a sizeable lead of 218 runs after KL Rahul (62) and Yashasvi Jaiswal (90) played crucial knocks.