BGT 2024-25: Gilchrist Critiques Support for Bumrah from Siraj and Rana

New Delhi, Dec 9 (NationPress) Adam Gilchrist, the legendary wicketkeeper from Australia, has emphasized that Mohammed Siraj and Harshit Rana were not at the required standard in Adelaide to effectively back up fast-bowling leader Jasprit Bumrah.

Bumrah, who took eight wickets in India's impressive 295-run victory in Perth, recorded figures of 4/61 in the first innings at Adelaide. Despite Siraj's 4-98, his economy rate was four, while Rana, who made a notable debut with four wickets in Perth, ended up conceding 86 runs without capturing a wicket.

“As the series began, India's uncertainty revolved around the level of support available for Bumrah. Siraj and Rana performed admirably in Perth; however, they fell short in Adelaide. This remains the most glaring aspect of the discussion. Bumrah operates at a certain level, while the rest haven't quite reached that,” Gilchrist remarked on Fox Cricket's The Follow-On podcast on Monday.

He also expressed that pacer Josh Hazlewood should be reinstated in the Australian lineup for Brisbane if he fully recovers from a side strain that sidelined him during Australia's ten-wicket triumph in Adelaide.

“That's the reality of the situation. I anticipate that if Hazlewood is fit, he will return, especially at the Gabba, where the conditions will be favorable for him. Regardless of the choice, you know what you will get—consistency, putting the opposing batting order under pressure,” he added.

If Hazlewood returns, then Scott Boland, who took five wickets in Adelaide, will likely make way for him. Gilchrist regarded it as a privilege for Australia to have a reliable reserve bowler like Boland available for Test matches whenever needed.

“It's unfortunate timing for Scotty, but I genuinely admire how he steps up. It's like activating a bowling machine that consistently delivers at the same level. The way the crowd and broadcasters respond to him is remarkable. He is a captivating story—a humble individual who, just by performing his job, can electrify an entire nation and 50,000 spectators in the stands,” he noted.

With the first two Tests in Perth and Adelaide not lasting the full five days, Gilchrist concluded by stating that the intensity of both teams' bowling attacks will remain high throughout the ongoing five-match series, which is currently tied at 1-1.

“In terms of workload, this certainly favors Australia, but the game progresses rapidly, meaning India also didn’t have to bowl an excessive number of overs. Reviewing both matches, Australia has bowled more overs, but with the extended break between the first and second Tests, they now have nearly a week to prepare,” he explained.

“This will ensure that the competitive intensity remains of high quality and extend deeper into the series. By the time we reach Sydney, the bowlers might still feel reasonably fresh, certainly not exhausted, which bodes well for the series ahead.”