BGT 2024-25: Top 3 players to watch out for in Melbourne Test

2. Jasprit Bumrah

India’s star pacer Jasprit Bumrah has been more than impressive in the ongoing series. The 31-year-old has picked 21 wickets in the first three Tests at an average of 10.90 and is the leading wicket-taker of the series. Interestingly, nearly 45% of Australia's wickets have been picked by Bumrah.

Bumrah is expected to continue his brilliance on a Melbourne pitch which is expected to assist pacers according to curator Matt Page. Although it may lack the raw speed of Perth or Brisbane, the conditions seem tailor-made for the pacer's skill set, especially with the new Kookaburra ball in hand. He has dismissed the Australian openers and middle-order eight times each, including five lower-order batters. 

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His line and lengths have seen him claim 15 of his 21 victims through edges to the keeper, LBWs, or clean bowled. For India to secure victory in the Boxing Day Test, Bumrah will need support from his teammates. However, his magic with the ball remains India’s biggest asset against a formidable Australian side.