Jasprit Bumrah Breaks Kapil Dev Record with Stunning Performance Against Australia
Indian pacer Jasprit Bumrah delivered a remarkable spell on Day 2 of the third Test against Australia in Brisbane, achieving yet another milestone in his career. Bumrah’s figures of 5 for 72 helped India fight back after a dominant display by the Australian batters, led by Travis Head and Steve Smith. Despite Australia finishing the day strongly at 405 for 7, Bumrah’s bowling brilliance stood out as he broke the legendary Kapil Dev’s record, becoming the first Indian bowler to claim eight five-wicket hauls in SENA countries (South Africa, England, New Zealand, and Australia). Kapil Dev held the previous record with seven five-wicket hauls in these regions.
The third Test of the Border-Gavaskar Trophy saw Australia take control on Day 2, thanks to a 241-run partnership between Head and Smith for the fourth wicket. Head smashed 152 runs, while Smith contributed a patient 101, solidifying Australia’s position in the series. Although rain disrupted the first day’s play, washing out nearly all but 13.2 overs, the second day belonged to the Australian batting lineup until Bumrah’s spell with the second new ball provided India a glimmer of hope.
At one point, Australia appeared to be running away with the match, standing at 316 for 3. However, Bumrah’s fiery bowling after tea broke the momentum, taking four quick wickets and restricting further damage. His efforts also marked his 12th five-wicket haul in Test cricket, cementing his place as one of India’s most reliable bowlers in overseas conditions.
By the end of the day, Australian wicketkeeper Alex Carey remained unbeaten on 45, with Mitchell Starc at the other end on seven. While India managed to pull things back slightly, the hosts still held a commanding lead. Given the forecast of rain over the next three days, the possibility of an Indian victory looks slim, leaving a draw as the most realistic outcome for the visitors.
Earlier in the match, India started Day 2 positively by taking three wickets in the opening hour. However, Head and Smith’s partnership neutralized the early breakthroughs, leaving the Indian bowlers frustrated. The Australian duo displayed excellent composure and technique, capitalizing on loose deliveries to pile on the runs.
Bumrah’s exceptional spell brought India back into contention, but it was not enough to tilt the balance entirely. His ability to extract movement with the second new ball underlined his mastery in challenging conditions. The Gabba pitch, known for its bounce and pace, played to Bumrah’s strengths as he dismantled Australia’s middle order.
This performance highlights Bumrah’s growth as a bowler, particularly in overseas Test matches. His ability to deliver under pressure in SENA countries sets him apart, and his achievement of surpassing Kapil Dev’s record is a testament to his consistency and skill.
The series remains delicately poised, with Australia looking to gain a 2-1 lead in the five-match series. India, on the other hand, will aim to regroup and find a way to counter Australia’s dominance. With two more Tests to go, the battle for the Border-Gavaskar Trophy is far from over.
As the rain-threatened third Test progresses, both teams will have to adapt to the weather and pitch conditions. For India, the focus will be on their batting lineup, which struggled in the first innings. A strong performance from the middle order will be essential to salvage a result in Brisbane.
Despite the current challenges, Jasprit Bumrah’s record-breaking spell is a silver lining for India in this Test. It not only emphasizes his importance to the team but also reinforces his reputation as one of the world’s premier fast bowlers. As the series unfolds, Bumrah’s performance will undoubtedly remain a key factor in India’s efforts to challenge Australia in their backyard.