Australia’s captain, Pat Cummins, lauded India’s Jasprit Bumrah as one of the finest bowlers globally after Bumrah’s remarkable display in India’s commanding 295-run victory in the first Test at Perth Stadium. Bumrah’s figures of 5-30 and 3-42 proved pivotal in dismantling Australia’s batting lineup.
Cummins remarked, “He bowled really well. He’s one of the best bowlers in the world and always presents a challenge. We need to find ways to counter him. His spell, especially on Day 1, made it tough for us. He bowled well throughout the match, as he usually does.” Bumrah’s precision and skill left Australia struggling, emphasizing his consistent threat on any surface.
Challenges for Marnus Labuschagne
Cummins also addressed Marnus Labuschagne’s recent struggles, expressing optimism about the batter’s potential to bounce back. Labuschagne managed just two and three runs in Perth, continuing a streak of inconsistency that has lowered his Test average to 31.75 since 2023, a notable drop from his career average of 48.45.
“Marnus, along with quite a few guys in the team, didn’t have the week we would have wanted. It’s no secret how hard the batters, particularly Marn, works in the nets. He’s always trying to find those small marginal gains. This week will be a lot of conversation with the coaches around his approach and what he could be doing differently,” Cummins explained.
The skipper remained confident in Labuschagne’s ability to regain form, highlighting the player’s determination and previous successes.
Preparations for the Pink-Ball Test in Adelaide
Looking ahead to the second Test, scheduled as a pink-ball match in Adelaide on December 6, Cummins expressed plans for additional preparation. He emphasized Labuschagne’s strengths in similar conditions, saying, “We know he’s a class player. Him at his best is one of the scariest propositions for opposition bowlers to bowl at. We’ll get to Adelaide a little bit earlier and maybe do an extra day or two prep leading into that second Test.”
He also encouraged Labuschagne to revisit past achievements to restore confidence. “He’s done it before over there; he’s got a very good pink-ball record. I always think looking back at past successes when you were at your best is always a pretty good way to get yourself back on track,” Cummins concluded.
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