Usman Khawaja on Facing Jasprit Bumrah: ‘Awkward at First, But You Get Used to It

Australia’s opener, Usman Khawaja, has shared insights on facing India’s ace fast bowler, Jasprit Bumrah, as the two teams gear up for the five-match Test series starting November 22 in Perth. Known for his distinctive bowling action, Bumrah’s style initially challenges batters due to an unusual release that Khawaja describes as “bizarre” and “awkward.”

Khawaja, who has scored 43 runs off Bumrah without being dismissed in their Test encounters, detailed his experience of facing Bumrah’s deliveries. “When you first face him, it’s just his action,” Khawaja told Fox Cricket. “His release point is different; it’s a bit further up. Many bowlers release the ball close to the popping crease, but with Bumrah, it feels like he gets it further out with a braced front leg, pushing the ball out.”

This unusual action makes Bumrah’s deliveries appear to arrive faster, adding to the initial challenge. “It feels like it comes out and then gets there a lot quicker than you expect,” Khawaja explained. Yet, he finds that once batters acclimate to the rhythm of Bumrah’s action, facing him becomes less daunting. Despite the adaptation, Khawaja acknowledges Bumrah’s skill, adding, “Not to say that he can’t give me out first ball. But he’s still a class bowler.”

While Bumrah may be the standout bowler in discussions, Khawaja also spoke highly of the depth in India’s bowling lineup. In particular, he highlighted Mohammed Siraj’s versatility against both right- and left-handed batters and praised Mohammed Shami’s skill, noting that Shami has been “very underrated.”

Khawaja emphasized his strategic approach to facing Bumrah, focusing on scoring opportunities rather than dwelling on the possibility of getting out. “I’m not thinking about where he’s getting me out,” he said. “I’m thinking about where am I scoring runs against him.”

With Australia expected to field new opener Nathan McSweeney and under pressure to perform strongly, Khawaja’s experience and strategy will be crucial as they face one of the world’s most formidable bowling lineups in what promises to be an intense Test series.