‘He creeps in like a cat burglar’: Travis Head, Usman Khawaja, Steve Smith and Marnus Labuschagne on facing Jasprit Bumrah

When asked about how it is like facing Bumrah, Travis Head told Fox Cricket: “Impossible.”

“You try to feel like you’re one step ahead, but it always feels like he’s that next step,” he continued.

“Any format of the game, he’s incredible. He’s their X-factor, he’s the guy they go to every time, and more often than not, he’s able to produce for them.

“In big moments you want big players, and I think he’s their biggest.

Cricket – First One Day International – England v Australia – Trent Bridge Cricket Ground, Nottingham, Britain – September 19, 2024 Australia’s Travis Head and Marnus Labuschagne celebrate after the match. (Action Images via Reuters/Andrew Boyers)

“You’ve got your work cut out as a batter. He’s someone that’s going to be difficult over summer.”

Former Australia speedster Brett Lee chipped in and said: “He creeps in like a cat burglar.”

Australia opener Usman Khawaja recollects the first time he came up against Bumrah.

“When I first faced Bumrah, I was like, ‘Oh where did that come from?’” Khawaja said.

“It comes at you a little bit quicker than you expect because of the awkwardness of his action and how he releases the ball,”

Khawaja has compared Bumrah’s action with former Australian quick Mitchell Johnson.

Usman Khawaja has been reprimanded by the International Cricket Council for wearing a black armband in support of Palestinians in Gaza during the first cricket Test against Pakistan. (PHOTO: AAP Image via AP)

“Much like Mitchell Johnson, he had a weird action too. The ball used to come out and felt like it got to you quicker because you didn’t get a look at it the whole way. Jasprit’s a little bit the same, with arms going everywhere,” he said.

Steve Smith, who averages 56.67 against Bumrah said: ““He’s just awkward with the way he bowls, it’s obviously very different to a lot of other people.”

“It takes a little bit getting used to. I’ve played against him quite a lot now, and it still takes a couple of balls to get used to the different rhythm.”

Australia’s Marnus Labuschagne is hit on the glove by a ball bowled by India’s Mohammed Siraj on the third day of the ICC World Test Championship Final between India and Australia at The Oval cricket ground in London, Friday, June 9, 2023. (AP Photo/Kirsty Wigglesworth)

Bumrah’s hyperextended arm and flexible wrist has troubled Marnus Labuschagne.

“His run-up doesn’t match the speed he bowls, so you can get done by the pace a little bit if he’s just skidding it through,” said Marnus Labuschagne.

“He can swing the ball both ways, he can nip it, and because he’s a class bowler, he’s got a bouncer up his sleeve so he can use that as well to put you under pressure.”