Australia head coach Andrew McDonald has indirectly brushed off major concerns for his team’s batters against stand-in India skipper Jasprit Bumrah after his menacing spell on Day 1 of the 1st Test in Perth. Notably, Bumrah picked his 11th five wicket haul of his Test career as he registered figures of 5/30 in 18 overs during the first innings.
Courtesy of his spell, India managed to bundle out Australia for 104 in the first innings and managed to take a 46-run lead. Following the end of the day’s play, Andrew McDonald was asked about the difference in the nature of the pitch on the first two days. The Australian coach said that both bowling units were exceptional on Day 1 and also mentioned that they need to work on a method to combat all of Indian seamers and not just Bumrah in the second innings.
“I think both batting units, if you want to call a collision, it was difficult. I thought our bowlers were exceptional. I thought theirs were equally as exceptional so it was a tough day for batting yesterday. So, as I said, it looks slightly different in the second innings. And, there’s no doubt, you know, we’ve got to get to work on what that method is to combat all of their bowlers, not just Jasprit Bumrah, if that’s where you’re sort of referring to,” said McDonald in the press conference.
India on top at stumps on Day 2
Bumrah has a phenomenal record against Australia, having scalped 37 wickets from eight matches at an average of 19.18 with two five-wicket hauls. He played a key role in India’s first ever Test series win in Australia in 2018-19 as he finished as the joint highest wicket taker with 18 scalps to his name.
Australia vs India 1st Test Day 2 Highlights
Meanwhile, India completely dominated Australia on Day 2 of the first Test after Bumrah completed his five wicket haul to bundle out Australia for in the first innings. As a result, India took a 46-run lead in the first innings and built on it with a massive unbeaten opening stand between Jaiswal (90*) and Rahul (62*) of 172 which helped India extend their lead to 218.
