Australia’s star player calls Bumrah the X-factor for India

Veteran Australian batter Travis Head has applauded star India pacer Jasprit Bumrah as India's X-factor and one of the most challenging bowlers to play across all formats. With Rohit Sharma yet to join the team for the Border-Gavaskar Trophy opener, Bumrah will lead India in the first Test. This would mark the second time when Jasprit Bumrah leads India in Test cricket, the first being against England in 2021 as well. Despite limited captaincy experience, his skills with the ball remain Australia's primary concern.

Jasprit Bumrah to play a key role for India

The speedster, known for his lethal yorkers, and ability to swing the ball both ways, has troubled every batter in all conditions. His Test record in Australia is pretty impressive, with 32 wickets in 7 matches which came at an average of 21.25. Head also referred to Bumrah as "impossible" to predict, lauding his ability to stay ahead of batters.

"You try to feel like you're one step ahead, but it always feels like he's that next step," Head said while speaking to Fox Cricket. "Any format of the game, he's incredible. In big moments you want big players, and I think he's their biggest. You've got your work cut out as a batter," Head added.

Meanwhile, opener Usman Khawaja also backed Head, recalling his first encounter with Bumrah's deceptive action.

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"When I first faced Bumrah, I was like, 'Oh where did that come from?' It comes at you a little bit quicker than you expect because of the awkwardness of his action and how he releases the ball," Khawaja said. "Much like Mitchell Johnson, he had a weird action too. The ball used to come out and felt like it got to you quicker because you didn't get a look at it the whole way. Jasprit's a little bit the same, with arms going everywhere," he further added.

"It still takes a couple of balls to get used to the different rhythm" - Smith on Bumrah

However, veteran batter Steve Smith, who has faced Jasprit Bumrah numerous times, said that despite familiarity, it still takes a few deliveries to adjust to Bumrah's rhythm as well.

"He's just awkward with the way he bowls, it's obviously very different to a lot of other people. "It takes a little bit getting used to. I've played against him quite a lot now, and it still takes a couple of balls to get used to the different rhythm," Smith told Fox Cricket.

As the Border-Gavaskar Trophy begins, Jasprit Bumrah's form and leadership will be important for India. For Australia, neutralizing the threat of Bumrah will be crucial to gaining an early advantage in the five-match Test series.