BGT 2024-25: Justin Langer Compares Bumrah to Wasim Akram
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New Delhi, Dec 19 (NationPress) Former Australia head coach Justin Langer showered accolades on Jasprit Bumrah, identifying India’s fast-bowling leader as a right-handed version of the legendary Pakistan left-arm pacer Wasim Akram.
Bumrah has claimed 21 wickets at an average of 10.90, positioning himself as the leading wicket-taker in the current Border-Gavaskar Trophy series, featuring a five-wicket haul in Perth and six wickets in Brisbane. He has also managed to dismiss Australian openers Usman Khawaja and Nathan McSweeney four times each throughout the series.
“I would hate to face him. He is like Wasim Akram. For me, he is a right-hand version of Wasim Akram, and every time I am asked the question ‘Who is the best bowler you have ever faced’, I say Wasim Akram.”
“They possess great pace, and the finest bowlers consistently hit the same target, complemented by a formidable bouncer, making them a daunting challenge. He has the capacity to swing the ball both ways, and his seam is simply picture-perfect.”
“When you present a flawless seam and it emerges perfectly from the fingers as it does with him, you get the double advantage of swing in suitable conditions, and if it hits the seam, it can deviate either way. That’s what Akram used to do, and he was a nightmare to confront,” he added.
“I would dread facing Bumrah. He’s an exceptional competitor, delivers good pace, and is simply outstanding. I mentioned at the beginning of the series that if Bumrah remains fit, it will be an extremely challenging summer for the Australian batters. If he doesn’t, then I believe Australia will secure the series comfortably, and I still stand by that,” Langer remarked during an interview with The Nightly on Thursday.
Langer also expressed astonishment at the abrupt retirement of veteran Indian spinner Ravichandran Ashwin following the draw of the third Test in Brisbane, suggesting that the visitors could rely on him for at least one of the two remaining Tests in Melbourne and Sydney.
Ashwin’s last international appearance was in the day-night Test against Australia in Adelaide, where he recorded figures of 1-53 in 18 overs and contributed 29 runs with the bat, as India fell short by ten wickets.
“I was surprised Ashwin retired because I thought they would utilize him and Ravindra Jadeja — turning to their key players for perhaps Melbourne and definitely Sydney. I believe both Melbourne and Sydney are as favorable for India as the other two venues,” he added.
Langer concluded by asserting that Australia would likely retain its batting structure, despite struggles in the top order, for the critical Test in Melbourne, commencing next Thursday.
“I can’t envision them making any alterations now at 1-1 in the series. While there will be discussions about certain players, my instinct tells me they will maintain the same lineup,” Langer said.
