Jasprit Bumrah is India’s X-factor, going to be difficult over the summer: Travis Head

Jasprit Bumrah is India’s X-factor, going to be difficult over the summer: Travis Head. (Source – Getty Images)

Travis Head lauded ace India pacer Jasprit Bumrah ahead of the forthcoming edition of the Border-Gavaskar Trophy 2024-25. The Australia international hailed him as ‘X-Factor’ and noted that Bumrah is incredible in any format of the game. Notably, the 30-year-old has been a vital cog in India’s bowling attack, particularly in Test cricket, where he has picked 173 wickets in just 40 games at an exceptional average of 20.57 thus far.

He has played seven Test matches in Australia and picked up 32 wickets at an average of 21.25, which is phenomenal as well. Meanwhile, the speedster is also set to lead India in Rohit Sharma’s absence in Perth. The star batter opted out of the game for parental duties and will be back for India’s second Test against the hosts in Adelaide. Ahead of that, Head was full of praises for Bumrah, as he added that the pacer is always one step ahead of the batters.

“Impossible (facing Bumrah). You try to feel like you’re one step ahead, but it always feels like he’s that next step. Any format of the game, he’s incredible. He’s their X-factor, he’s the guy they go to every time, and more often than not, he’s able to produce for them. You’ve got your work cut out as a batter. He’s someone that’s going to be difficult over the summer,” Head told Fox Cricket.

Also Read: ‘Can play a big role for India in the series’ – Pat Cummins on Jasprit Bumrah ahead of BGT 2024-25

Usman Khawaja shares experience of facing Bumrah

Australia opener Usman Khawaja revealed his experience of playing Bumrah for the first time. He stated that the pacer could generate extra pace due to his action, and that is something he didn’t expect. He also compared Bumrah’s action to that of Mitchell Johnson.

“When I first faced Bumrah, I was like, ‘Oh where did that come from? It comes at you a little bit quicker than you expect because of the awkwardness of his action and how he releases the ball. Much like Mitchell Johnson, he had a weird action too. The ball used to come out and felt like it got to you quicker because you didn’t get a look at it the whole way. Jasprit’s a little bit the same, with arms going everywhere,” Khawaja said.