Australia v India Third Test, Day Two Report Card

Featuring Bumrah's lack of variety and the Frasier-Niles pairing of Australian cricket

Bumrah’s Lack of Variety
Grade: D-

After a rainy first day that allowed fans time to discuss the important philosophical questions (eg ‘is the Boxing Day Test a Christmas movie?’), the second day of this third Test began with Ravi Shastri on commentary booming his approval of India’s tactics.

“India starting with the right man!” he confidently asserted, referring to Akash Deep, returning to complete his rain-interrupted over from the day before. And, to be fair to Ravi, he was correct.

But, of course, it wasn’t Akash Deep who was India’s best chance to take control of this sodden Test. No, that role fell, once again, to Jasprit Bumrah, who - let’s be blunt - despite being an actual wizard bowling literal spells, is getting a bit predictable now.

This time, he worked over Usman Khawaja and toyed with Nathan McSweeney, before dismissing both of them once he put his mind to it. Been there, seen that, Jasprit. Show me something new. How about a spell where you don’t make batting against you look impossible? Can you do that? No? Then maybe you don’t have the variety in your arsenal that you’re credited with.

Frankly, at this stage, I think Pat Cummins should just negotiate before the Test and agree to give Bumrah four wickets of his choosing in exchange for no runs if India promise not to bowl him.

Alternatively, blunt his effectiveness by having the day washed out. It worked on day one. Why move away from it?

Or, if you must have the sun shine, then, at the end of the day, once Bumrah takes his fourth wicket, declare to deny him another five wicket haul.

Let’s get petty.

The Frasier-Niles Pairing of Australian Cricket
Grade: A-