As Australia gears up for their five-match Test series against India, opener Usman Khawaja has opened up about his experiences facing Jasprit Bumrah, noting the bowler’s distinctive action and the threat posed by India’s entire pace attack.
Khawaja, who has faced 155 deliveries from Bumrah in seven Test innings, has managed to score 43 runs without being dismissed by the India pacer. Speaking to Fox Cricket, Khawaja acknowledged that facing Bumrah can be awkward initially due to his unorthodox bowling action.
“It’s just his action. It’s a different, bizarre kind of action,” Khawaja explained. “His release point is very different from other bowlers. A lot of guys release the ball from near the popping crease, but Bumrah seems to get a bit further out with his braced front leg and pushes the ball from a higher point, making it feel like it arrives quicker than expected.”
Khawaja admitted that batting against Bumrah feels uncomfortable at first, but once a batter gets accustomed to his unique style, the challenge becomes more manageable. “Once you get used to the action, it’s fine,” he said. “I’ve faced him a lot now, and it’s one of those things where the first time you face him, it’s awkward, but once you get into a rhythm, it gets better.”
Despite his positive record against Bumrah, Khawaja was quick to emphasize that no bowler can be taken lightly, and Bumrah’s threat still remains formidable. “Not to say that he can’t get me out first ball—anyone can,” he said, acknowledging the unpredictable nature of Test cricket. “But he’s still a class bowler.”
While Bumrah is undoubtedly a key figure in India’s fast bowling arsenal, Khawaja is also wary of the depth in India’s attack. In addition to Bumrah, Khawaja highlighted the threats posed by Mohammed Siraj and Mohammad Shami. “Everyone talks about Jasprit, but they actually have a lot of other good bowlers,” he remarked. “Siraj is a very good bowler to both right-handers and left-handers. When Shami was fit, he was a very good bowler too—underrated in many ways.”
Khawaja also acknowledged the threat posed by India’s spin options, which complement their pace attack. “They’ve got good spinners lining up, too,” he said, adding that India’s well-rounded attack requires careful preparation and respect from all Australian batsmen.
Looking ahead to the upcoming Border-Gavaskar Trophy series, which kicks off in Perth on November 22, Khawaja emphasized the importance of focusing on his own batting rather than worrying solely about his opposition. “For me, it’s never about thinking about where Bumrah gets me out,” Khawaja explained. “I’m thinking about where I’m scoring runs against him. And I’m sure all good batsmen would tell you exactly the same thing.”
The Australia opener also noted that the key to success in Test cricket is respecting good deliveries when they come and capitalizing on any loose balls. “If Bumrah misses, I’ll take advantage, and if he bowls good stuff, I’ll respect that. That’s just Test cricket.”
With Australia’s batting lineup facing scrutiny ahead of the series, particularly with new opener Nathan McSweeney set to debut, much of the responsibility for laying a solid foundation in the first innings will fall on Khawaja. As the series progresses, all eyes will be on how Khawaja manages the challenge of facing India’s formidable bowling unit.