Khawaja’s Struggles Exposed by Bumrah’s Brilliance in First Test
The first Test between Australia and India in the 2024-25 series at Perth's Optus Stadium has seen a dramatic start. Among the many talking points, one of the most eye-catching moments was the way Usman Khawaja was undone by Jasprit Bumrah. It wasn’t just the speed or the bounce that made Bumrah dangerous, but his ability to adapt and outwit the batsmen, and Khawaja was no exception.
Australia's innings has already been under pressure, with India setting a target of 150 runs. But things took a turn for the worse when Bumrah unleashed his magic. After starting over the wicket, Bumrah switched to around the wicket and immediately had an impact. He produced a stunning delivery that angled in towards Khawaja, who was forced to play. The ball then straightened, bounced, and found its way to Kohli at second slip. It was a beauty, one of those deliveries that made the batsman feel powerless.
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It’s worth noting that Khawaja, usually solid at the crease, has been known to struggle with deliveries that angle into him from around the wicket. Bumrah exploited this weakness perfectly. But it wasn’t just about the technical delivery; it was Bumrah’s consistent pressure that kept the Australian top-order in check. The brilliant spell didn’t end with Khawaja. Bumrah then followed up with another gem to dismiss Steven Smith, who was caught off-guard by an inswinger. Smith, who is often the rock of Australia’s batting lineup, didn’t stand a chance against the precision of Bumrah’s bowling, and Australia found themselves 19 for 3, in deep trouble early on.
For a player like Khawaja, who has faced many challenges throughout his career, this delivery by Bumrah was a reminder of the fine margins in Test cricket. While he is a seasoned campaigner, this ball exposed his vulnerability, especially against bowlers who can extract movement off the pitch. Bumrah’s spell was a masterclass in Test bowling, showcasing both his skill and his understanding of the conditions at Perth.
Australia’s batting troubles are being laid bare in this match. With a frail top-order that struggled against the pace and seam movement of India’s bowlers, the pressure will only mount as the match progresses. The wickets of Khawaja and Smith set a tone that Australia will have to fight hard to overcome. In a match where only 188 runs were scored on the first day, and 15 wickets have already fallen, the balance of power has shifted, and it’s India who are in control, largely thanks to the brilliance of Bumrah.
For Khawaja, it’s a harsh reminder of the challenges that come with playing against world-class seam bowlers on difficult pitches. He’ll certainly be looking to learn from this dismissal and adjust his game accordingly, but for now, it’s Bumrah who is the star of the show, leaving Australia’s top order in tatters.
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