BGT 2024/25: ‘The way we responded...,’ Bumrah lauds India’s win in Perth Test, praises Jaiswal and Kohli

India's stand-in captain Jasprit Bumrah lauded the national side's remarkable comeback, from being 150 all-out, to win the 2024/25 Border-Gavaskar Trophy (BGT) opening Test versus Australia at Perth on Monday (Nov. 25). Opting to bat first, India got dismissed for 150, but Bumrah-led bowling attack rose to the occasion and skittled outAustralia for 104, taking a 46-run lead. Bumrah stood tall with 5 for 30. Following this, India rode on Yashasvi Jaiswal (161), KL Rahul (77) and Virat Kohli's 100* to declare at 487-6, setting a mammoth 534-run target. Eventually, Pat Cummins-led Australia folded up for 238 on Day 4, on Monday and lostby 295 runs. Bumrah was all praise for the fightback staged by his team and lauded both Jaiswal and Kohli in particular.

'Were put under pressure in the first innings, but the way we responded...'

After the win, Bumrah said in the post-match presentation, "Very happy with the beginning. Were put under pressure in the first innings, but the way we responded after that - very proud. Played here in 2018. I remember that when you start here, the wicket is a little soft, and then it gets quicker and quicker. Was relying on that experience. This wicket was a little less spicy than the last one. We were really well prepared, so I was telling everyone to have faith in their process and ability."

He further lauded Jaiswal and Kohli and added, "Can't ask for anything else. Jaiswal has had a great start to his Test career. This was his best Test innings probably. He left the ball - he has an attacking nature, but he left the ball well and played long. About Virat - I didn't see him out of form at all. On challenging wickets it's hard to judge if a batsman is in form. He was looking good in the nets."

Bumrah himself had a great run, returning with match figures of 8 for 72. This became his first Test win as captain.

Coming into this series, India had several questions to answer owing to the poor form of Kohli, KL Rahul, etc. whereas Rohit was set to miss the game due to paternity leave. In addition, India was thrashed 3-0 at home by New Zealand, hence, the team management was also under severe pressure. However, India answered their critics in style andtooka 1-0 lead in the 2024/25 BGT edition.

The second Test kicks off on Dec. 6 at the Adelaide Oval, Adelaide. It will be a day-night contest.