The Talented Mr Bumrah

GH watches another tour de force

On the eve of the Adelaide Test, with the plaudits for Jasprit Bumrah ringing in the Australian team’s ears, Usman Khawaja tried to restore proportion with some sensible commentary. Yes, Bumrah was a fine bowler. But he was, after all, a bowler, and all bowlers can be played. They have two arms and two legs, and can only bowl one delivery at a time. Have faith, was the message: all things being equal, the home batters would work their way back into the series.

We’re still waiting. The Tests have turned and twisted. The rivals have waxed and waned. But not Bumrah. He goes on waxing. He defeats the most virile attack, the sternest defence. He confounds the most assiduous preparation, the best-laid plans. When Sam Konstas hit him for six on Boxing Day, it was celebrated like the relief of Mafeking. Now, thanks to Bumrah, India, who on the second day were seven for 221 in pursuit of 454, enter the final day here with the glimmer of a famous victory, while the man himself both became the first bowler to take 200 wickets at less than 20 and finished the year with seventy wickets at less than 15 - new benchmarks for penetration and thrift.