Jasprit Bumrah ‘Virat Kohli of Indian bowling’, says Aakash Chopra

Indian pacer Jasprit Bumrah gave India’s winning quest in the ongoing Test series in Australia a big push on Day 3 of the third Test in Melbourne by seriously rattling the hosts. The skiddy bowler, still in his first year of Test cricket, took 6 wickets for only 33 runs to see India bowling Australia out for 151 in response to their 443 for 7 declared. Australia, though, came back hard at India by restricting them to 106 for 8 in the second innings but the 292-run lead in the first innings could play a decisive role in the end, thanks to Bumrah again.

Former India Test opener Akash Chopra, who was part of India’s memorable tour Down Under in 2003-04, was so impressed with Bumrah’s show that he didn’t hesitate to call him the Virat Kohli of Indian bowling. Bumrah took two of Australia’s five wickets that fell till tea on Day 4 as the hosts chased 399 runs to win the game. The Indian pacer now has 19 wickets in his kitty in the series, the most than anybody else.

Bumrah becomes highest wicket-taker in a calendar year

Speaking to Melbourne-based radio station 1116 SEN, Chopra said: “He (Bumrah) is the Virat Kohli of Indian bowling.” Bumrah has played all his nine Tests so far overseas and took 47 scalps in them, which is the most by an Indian on foreign soil in a calendar year. He overtook his mate Mohammed Shami who has taken 44 wickets this year and the legendary Anil Kumble who had a tally of 41 wickets in 2006.

Bumrah’s performance at the MCG also impressed a number of former Australian players, including former captain Michael Clarke. Clarke recently opined that it is not long before Bumrah becomes the world’s best bowler in all three formats, adding that he is a great player for the captain who doesn’t mind handling pressure or expectations. He said Bumrah is always keen to learn and called him a “workhorse”.

India, meanwhile, were looking favourites to win the Melbourne Test as they dismissed six Australian batsmen for 170-odd. A win in Melbourne will mean India will not lose the series in Australia, only the fourth time in history.

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