Adam Gilchrist lauds captain’s spell of Jasprit Bumrah in first innings of opening Test against Australia

Former Australian wicket-keeper bat Adam Gilchrist showered praise on Jasprit Bumrah for bowling a captain’s spell and leading from the front in the opening Test match against Australia at Perth. After India was bowled out for only 150 runs in the first innings, Bumrah was right on the money with the ball.

India’s stand-in captain plumbed debutant Nathan McSweeney in front of the wickets and then had Usman Khawaja and Steve Smith dismissed on consecutive balls. Bumrah also accounted for his counterpart Pat Cummins and struck with his first ball on the second day to remove Australia’s wicket-keeper Alex Carey.

Bumrah returned with impressive figures of 5-30 and played an instrumental role in skittling out Australia at 104 as visitors took a crucial 46-run lead.

Gilchrist recalled how Bumrah reacted calmly when Virat Kohli dropped Marnus Labuschagne’s catch when he was on naught.

Adam Gilchrist said on Cricbuzz, “That was a captain’s spell. He decided to go out there and set the tone. He led the team along with him. Even when Virat Kohli dropped a catch, Bumrah’s reaction was extraordinary – a little smile. [It was like] ‘Oh well, I’ll just have another go here’. And the team rallied around him.

Gilchrist, who was known for his sportsman spirit, said Bumrah was relentless with the ball.

“Just looks frightening to face. There was no let up. There are no discernible changes in action or style or technique. As a batter, I just can’t image what it’s like facing him. That was brilliant,” the 53-year-old went on to add.

Meanwhile, India have put themselves in front with KL Rahul (62) and Yashasvi Jaiswal (90) helping the visitors put 172 runs for the opening alliance on the second day. At stumps on day two, India was leading by 218 runs with 10 wickets in hand.