Australian head coach Andrew McDonald has downplayed concerns about his team's batting performance against Jasprit Bumrah, who took a five-wicket haul on the first day of the Perth Test. Bumrah's impressive spell helped India bowl out Australia for 104 runs, giving India a 46-run lead. But as per McDonald, Bumrah is not the only threat amongst Indian bowlers for the Australian batters.
Australia's head coach plays down Jasprit Bumrah threat
When asked about the Perth pitch conditions, McDonald acknowledged the exceptional bowling performances from both teams on the first day. He also stressed on the need for Australian batters to come out with a strategy to counter India's entire pace attack, not just Bumrah. Besides, Bumrah, who took an exceptional fifer to break Australia's back, it was Harshit Rana who pestered the hosts' batters with an impressive three-fer. Notably, it was Harshit Rana's Test debut for India and he made sure he make it a memorable one.
“I think both batting units, if you want to call a collision, it was difficult. I thought our bowlers were exceptional. I thought theirs were equally as exceptional so it was a tough day for batting yesterday. So, as I said, it looks slightly different in the second innings. And, there's no doubt, you know, we've got to get to work on what that method is to combat all of their bowlers, not just Jasprit Bumrah, if that's where you're sort of referring to,” McDonald said in the press conference post Day 2 stumps.
Jasprit Bumrah has a strong record against Australia, having taken 37 wickets in eight matches at an average of 19.18, including two five-wicket hauls. His exceptional performance in the 2018-19 series played a crucial role in India's historic Test series win in Australia. On the second day of the first Test in Perth, India continued to dominate Australia. Bumrah's five-wicket haul in the first innings helped India gain a 46-run lead. The Indian openers, Yashasvi Jaiswal and KL Rahul, then put on a record-breaking 172-run partnership, extending India's lead to 218 runs. Indian will look to post a daunting target for Australia and Bumrah and Harshit are going to be play an instrumental role in keeping the hosts in check.
