‘Intent is not about just blazing him for fours’ – Simon Katich suggests how Australia can counter Jasprit Bumrah threat

‘Intent is not about just blazing him for fours’ – Simon Katich suggests how Australia can counter Jasprit Bumrah threat (Photo Source: Twitter/X)

Jasprit Bumrah has been a thorn in Australia’s side in the ongoing Border-Gavaskar Trophy (BGT 2024-25). He is the leading wicket-taker, having scalped 21 wickets from three Tests at an excellent average of 10.90. The spotlight will be on the right-arm seamer once again in the impending fourth Test, which begins on Boxing Day at the iconic Melbourne Cricket Ground (MCG).

Former Australian cricketer Simon Katich recently lauded Bumrah’s prowess and went on to suggest methods to tackle the Indian vice-captain ahead of the highly-anticipated Boxing Day Test match. Some experts have opined that playing with an aggressive mindset could be the best way to counter Bumrah’s threat.

However, Katich further felt that trying to hit boundaries might not be the best idea against the Ahmedabad-born as he rarely bowls bad deliveries. Instead, the former Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) Head Coach said that the focus should be on the rotation of strikes and having a solid defensive technique.

“I know all the talk is around having more positive intent, and I think that’s all well and good and it is certainly something they have to be mindful of. But against someone like Bumrah intent is not about just blazing him for fours, because he doesn’t bowl many bad balls,” Katich told SEN 1116.

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“So a lot of that intent has to be about rotating strike and being able to defend really well, because you’re not gonna be able to play with any intent if you aren’t there after the tenth over. That’s the challenge for all of these guys,” Katich added.

Bumrah holds record for most wickets by Asian pacer in Australia

Meanwhile, speaking of India’s fiery pacer Jasprit Bumrah has etched his name in cricketing folklore by accounting for the most number of wickets (53) by an Asian fast bowler in Australia. He will have fond memories of playing at the MCG as he finished with career-best Test figures of 9/86 at the venue in 2018 and helped India register a famous win. The five-match series is currently tied at 1-1 and the 31-year-old will be eager to produce a notable performance once again to help the tourists break the deadlock.