Table of Contents
Australia‘s preparations for the second Test against India have intensified as they seek to neutralize the threat posed by Jasprit Bumrah. The Indian stand-in captain was the star of the opening Test in Perth, leading India to a dominant 295-run victory, courtesy of his fine bowling performance.
Bumrah’s exceptional performance, including a five-wicket haul in the first innings, earned him the Player of the Match award and reaffirmed his reputation as one of the most lethal bowlers in world cricket. With the stage set for the pink-ball Test at the Adelaide Oval, Australian wicketkeeper-batter Alex Carey has shed light on the team’s strategy to counter Bumrah and bounce back in the series.
Alex Carey reveals Australia’s plan to tackle Jasprit Bumrah
Speaking at a pre-match press conference, Carey acknowledged Bumrah’s brilliance but emphasized his confidence in Australia’s batting lineup to overcome the challenge. Carey highlighted that having faced Bumrah in the first Test, the Australian batters are now better equipped to deal with his variations and relentless accuracy.
Carey pointed out Travis Head‘s aggressive approach in the first Test as an example of how Australian batters could challenge Bumrah. Despite the team’s struggles in Perth, Head’s counterattacking innings demonstrated that attacking the opposition’s spearhead could disrupt their plans.
“Oh, look, he’s a fantastic bowler and has been for years. Our batters are world-class and always find solutions. We’ve analysed him, and hopefully, we can handle his first and second spells better, getting him to bowl later with an older ball. Travis’s counterpunch was effective, and I trust our batters to adapt. Not just Bumrah, but their other debutants also bowled well, and we’ll strategise accordingly,” Carey remarked.
Also READ: AUS vs IND: 3 reasons why Sam Konstas should be picked for the remaining Tests of Border-Gavaskar Trophy 2024-25
Pink Ball Test: Australia’s stronghold
As the series moves to Adelaide, Australia will be eager to build on their enviable record in pink-ball Tests. The hosts have won 11 out of their 12 day-night matches, including seven consecutive victories at home. The conditions at Adelaide Oval, coupled with the pink ball’s unique characteristics, have traditionally played to Australia’s strengths, particularly their formidable pace attack.
The upcoming match offers Australia an opportunity to reassert their dominance in day-night Tests and level the series. The team’s strong record at home under lights adds an extra layer of confidence as they prepare for the crucial encounter.
