What is the plan to counter Jasprit Bumrah in the Sydney Test match?

The fifth and final Test of the Border-Gavaskar Trophy between Australia and India is set to take place at the iconic Sydney Cricket Ground (SCG), starting Friday, January 3. This match holds immense significance for the Indian team, as a win would not only level the series 2-2 but also keep their hopes of qualifying for the 2025 World Test Championship (WTC) Final alive. The pressure is high, and one player who will shoulder much of India’s hopes is their star pacer, Jasprit Bumrah. Known for his fiery pace and ability to deliver under pressure, Bumrah will play a pivotal role in India’s chances of a successful outcome at the SCG.

On the other hand, Australia’s captain, Pat Cummins, was recently asked how they plan to counter Bumrah’s brilliance with the ball. In response, Cummins offered a lighthearted reply, joking that by the time he comes out to bat, he hopes Bumrah will be "tired" from bowling so much, making it easier for him to face the pace spearhead. Bumrah is currently the leading wicket-taker in the series, and Cummins' comments, though playful, underline the threat that the Indian pacer poses to Australia’s batting line-up. As the final Test approaches, both teams will be keenly focused on their strategies to outplay each other, with Bumrah’s performance likely to be crucial for India’s success.

“Bumrah is bowling well at the moment. He is always tough, Hopefully, by the time I come in, late in the day, he has bowled quite a bit, which might make it a bit easier for me. But he is bowling well. I’ve faced him quite a bit across the world in different formats, and he always poses a challenge," said Pat Cummins during the pre-match press conference.

“Last game, it helped as I was in the non-striker's end. That certainly helped [laugh]," he added.

When it comes to the head-to-head record between Australia and India at the Sydney Cricket Ground (SCG), the two teams have faced off 13 times. Out of these encounters, a significant seven matches have ended in a draw, highlighting the competitive nature of games at this iconic venue. Australia has generally had the upper hand in these contests, securing five victories over the years. In contrast, India has managed to win just once at the SCG, a memorable victory that came in 1978.

This solitary win remains a historic moment for Indian cricket, considering the dominance Australia has displayed on their home turf over the years. The SCG, with its unique conditions and atmosphere, has often been a challenging ground for visiting teams, and India’s limited success here underscores the difficulty of securing victories in Australia. As the two teams prepare for the final Test of the 2024-25 Border-Gavaskar Trophy, both will be keen to add to their respective records at this prestigious ground, with India looking to make a statement after years of struggle at the SCG.