Travis Head praises Jasprit Bumrah as 'one of the best' before Adelaide clash

As Australia prepares to take on India in the second Test of the Border-Gavaskar Trophy in Adelaide, Australian batsman Travis Head has lauded Indian pacer Jasprit Bumrah, calling him "one of the greatest fast bowlers to play the game."

Head’s remarks come after Bumrah’s sensational performance in the first Test, where the stand-in captain took eight wickets in a fierce and precise display of fast bowling, leading India to a dominant 295-run victory in Perth on November 25.

Bumrah’s eight-wicket haul earned him the Player of the Match award, with his key dismissal of Head in the second innings, when Australia was building pressure, proving critical in shifting the momentum back in India’s favour.

Bumrah’s leadership in the first Test was impressive, but he is expected to return the captaincy to Rohit Sharma for the second Test. With the burden of leadership lifted, Bumrah could prove even more dangerous under the lights with the pink ball in the day-night Test at Adelaide Oval, set to begin on Friday.

Head, who top-scored for Australia with 89 in the second innings at Perth, praised Bumrah’s skill and competitiveness. "Jasprit is probably going to go down as one of the greatest fast bowlers to play the game," Head said ahead of the second Test.

"We’re finding that at the moment – how challenging he can be, and it’s nice to play against that."

Reflecting on his encounters with Bumrah, Head added, "It’s going to be nice to look back at your career and tell the grandkids that you faced him. Hopefully, I only have to face him a few more times. He’s been challenging."

Head was one of the three wickets Bumrah took in the second innings at Perth and with the second Test set to take place on his home ground, Head remained focused on maintaining his form.

"It’s just another week—go and prepare and hopefully I can roll out the same sort of performances," Head said. "It’s going to be a challenge, but I feel like I’m moving well and in a good space."

Speaking further on facing Bumrah, Head explained how facing the pacer is a valuable learning experience. "I'm best when I look for the cues, watch the ball hard, and stay fresh mentally," he said.

"I think I'm lucky to have faced him a few times, and we’ve been very fortunate to play against him a lot. I know what’s coming, it’s just making sure I’m prepared and fresh to start well."

India, who hold the Border-Gavaskar Trophy after winning the 2022-23 series at home, lead the five-match contest 1-0. Australia last won the bilateral Test series in 2014-15, when they claimed the trophy at home.