Keep Calm and Listen to Jasprit Bumrah: India’s Mantra for the Fourth Test
As India’s pace bowlers gear up for the all-important fourth Test, the mantra seems to be clear: “Keep calm and listen to Jasprit Bumrah.” On Sunday, at the Melbourne Cricket Ground (MCG), Bumrah’s presence stood out as he guided the team, reminding everyone of India’s heavy reliance on him during this series.
Bumrah, a rare and exceptional express fast bowler, has been carrying a massive workload on this tour. From taking key wickets to even contributing with the bat—like saving the follow-on in Brisbane alongside pace partner Akash Deep—he has done it all.
With the new Kookaburra ball, Bumrah has been phenomenal. Heading into the Boxing Day Test, nearly 45% of the Australian wickets taken by Indian bowlers belong to Bumrah. His influence extends beyond the ball; he even captained the team to a win in the opening Test. Now, he has taken on another critical role—mentoring India’s relatively inexperienced pace attack.
Bumrah’s Guidance for the Young Bowlers
Harshit Rana has been replaced, Akash Deep has been unlucky, and Mohammed Siraj has struggled for consistency since an altercation with Travis Head. Akash, who stepped in for Rana after the Adelaide Test, spoke on Sunday about how invaluable Bumrah’s advice has been.
“Unko aap pura trust kar sakte ho (you can completely trust his suggestions),” said Akash.
Bumrah’s tips are straightforward and effective: maintain disciplined lengths, keep your mind clear, and don’t let the pressure of the occasion get to you. His focus is on small but crucial things, like avoiding over-excitement when the pitch offers help.
Akash shared, “This is my first time in Australia, so I didn’t have any experience of playing here. Jo chhoti-chhoti cheezay batate hain, woh kaafi useful hoti hain (The small things he shares are very useful). He told me to focus on my spot and keep bowling there because the pitch will eventually help. Don’t overthink; just bowl like you would in India.”
Challenges for the Indian Bowlers
Despite their efforts, India’s bowlers have struggled to take wickets when Bumrah isn’t in action. Spinner Ravindra Jadeja, too, has been reduced to holding one end due to the conditions.
Akash impressed by beating Steve Smith multiple times in Brisbane, even earning praise from the batter. But the breakthrough never came.
Siraj, meanwhile, has been affected by the booing from Australian crowds and has struggled to regain his rhythm. Bumrah revealed how he had a heart-to-heart with Siraj before the third Test.
“Siraj has a fighter’s spirit and always gives his all. I told him that some days, wickets won’t come even if you bowl well. Focus on what you can control and keep running in with a smile,” Bumrah said.
Harshit Rana, who had a tough outing in Adelaide, has been working hard in the nets with bowling coach Morne Morkel. The team understands that bowling with the old ball, especially after 30 overs, is a crucial phase where Australia has taken the upper hand.
“It’s not like we’re bowling badly with the old ball,” Akash said. “Luck also plays a role. Sometimes, close calls don’t go your way. When I bowled to Smith, he got beaten multiple times, but the breakthrough didn’t come. I realized wickets are not in my control; I can only focus on bowling in the right areas.”
Bumrah’s Magic Continues
In this series, Bumrah has been relentless. He has dismissed top-order batters, middle-order players, and tail-enders alike. Out of his 21 dismissals, 15 have been either caught behind, LBW, or bowled—highlighting his precision and skill.
With the Boxing Day Test approaching, India has time to refine its plans. Bumrah, aiming for another stellar performance at the MCG, will lead the charge. Behind him, the rest of the pace lineup will hope to make their mark, armed with Bumrah’s advice and encouragement.
For India, the task is clear: Follow Bumrah, and the rest will fall into place.
