Brad Haddin says Bumrah-less India would have lost 5-0 to Australia

Former Australian wicket-keeper bat Brad Haddin believes India would have been whitewashed by 5-0 in the recently concluded Border-Gavaskar trophy if Jasprit Bumrah had not been there. Bumrah had the most amazing series for any fast bowler on the Australian shores.

The gun pacer consistently breathed down the neck of the Australian batters and bagged 32 wickets in five Test matches at an average of 13.06. Bumrah looked threatening in each of his spells and it was a shame that he could not bowl in the second innings in the Sydney Test due to a back injury.

The ace pacer was right on the money from the get-go and returned with figures of 8-72 in the opening Test at Perth and thus was awarded Player of the Match. Bumrah bowled with an impressive strike rate of 28.38 and bagged three five-wicket hauls in the series.

Speaking on Willow Talk, Brad Haddin said, “We have witnessed the greatness of Bumrah, the uniqueness of his action and how influential he was on every batter in the Australian team. It’s in the same conversation as Warney’s 2005 Ashes. That’s exactly what it deserves. If he’s not there, Australia would probably win 5-0.” 

The former gloveman said Bumrah would be in the GOAT bowler conversation alongside Glenn McGrath, Curtly Ambrose, and Wasim Akram if he continues the same form in the upcoming years. 

“By the time he finishes his career, we will be talking about him in the same breath as McGrath and Wasim Akram. He was so influential over the series.”

“I wouldn’t put him on top of that league. He’s got a long way to go. He’s got 200 Test wickets. We hope to see him in some time. If he continues the same way he is going, his name will be in that conversation.”

Bumrah was brilliant against Australia and he would look to make a solid comeback after recovering from injury.