Advantage India, says Bumrah

Sees crucial role for Ashwin in deciding course of match

December 08, 2018 05:54 pm | Updated June 09, 2020 12:26 pm IST - Adelaide

Jasprit Bumrah of India is congratulated by team mates after getting the wicket of Travis Head of Australia during day three of the First Test match in the series between Australia and India at Adelaide Oval on December 08, 2018 in Adelaide, Australia.

Jasprit Bumrah of India is congratulated by team mates after getting the wicket of Travis Head of Australia during day three of the First Test match in the series between Australia and India at Adelaide Oval on December 08, 2018 in Adelaide, Australia.

Jasprit Bumrah feels the first Test is leaning towards India.

“It is slightly in our favour. The late wicket (of Virat Kohli) was a good thing for them, but we have a good lead. If we capitalise on that and have a good first session (on Sunday), that will leave us in a very good place in this match,” the Indian seamer told reporters here on Saturday evening.

Not bothered by boos

The lanky speedster also played down the booing that emanated from a few stands when Kohli strode out to bat. “I don’t think these things are important to us because, for us, what happens in that circle is important.

“Everything else, we can’t control. If they (the crowd) want to, they can do whatever they want. As long as we are doing well, we are happy.”

Bumrah believes R. Ashwin can be decisive when Australia chases.

“We saw Nathan Lyon using the rough to his advantage. Ashwin is an experienced bowler and he knows what he has to do. He will probably work on it (the rough) and he will play a crucial role.”

Cheteshwar Pujara’s fine run in the current game also came in for praise when Bumrah said: “He has showed a lot of patience and that is the key element in Test cricket.

“He knows his game in and out, he knows his strengths. He is playing around that strength, he knows to leave the ball well. He is playing with the bowlers’ patience as well. He has done that over the years. It was a great knock (the first innings hundred), and hopefully he will continue that.”

Queried about the manner in which he adapts to conditions overseas, Bumrah explained: “I ask players who have played here before. In England, when I was not playing, I was bowling in the nets, I was keeping an eye on what was happening.

Keeping an eye open

“So I try to copy that in the nets. In South Africa, I was consistently playing one-day cricket, so I had a lot of overs under my belt. I always ask questions. I keep an eye on the opposition as well, maybe try and learn from them.

“All these things help. Do your research, do your homework, keep an eye on the lengths of the different grounds and different players, (observe) what they do.”

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