NEW DELHI: Jasprit Bumrah‘s devastating spell on Day 1 of the first Test against Australia in Perth left former Pakistan captain Wasim Akram in awe.
While commentating during the match, the fast bowling legend was so impressed that he nearly jumped from his seat and referred to Bumrah as the “best fast bowler” in the world.
“He is the best bowler in the world!” screamed Akram in the commentary box. His admiration was shared by fellow commentators, with former Australia cricketer Kerry O’Keefe describing it as “the most inspired spell of fast bowling by a captain.”
Akram emphasized that Bumrah is the best bowler across all formats, drawing attention to his ability to read situations and outthink the opposition.
“Bumrah was at the top of his game, reading the Australian batters brilliantly. His spell was a masterclass in understanding conditions and exploiting weaknesses,” Akram told Star Sports at the end of the day’s play.
“He is the best bowler in world cricket in all the formats. The control, the swing, the pace, using the crease, went around the wicket to Usman Khawaja. I mean, he’s just a brilliant bowler to watch. He picked up the batter’s weakness very quickly, and he hardly bowled a short ball, and he realised that he would be expecting a short pitch delivery. He pitched up everything, swung the ball both ways and got four wickets. That’s what you call the leader leading from the front.” Akram said.
India hit back after being skittled for 150, taking seven wickets in the final session to put themselves in the box seat after a riveting opening day in Perth.
Bumrah’s 4-17 left Australia reeling 67/7 at close of play with Alex Carey was unbeaten on 19 and Mitchell Starc not out on six.