Alex Carey Confident in Australia’s Plan to Counter Jasprit Bumrah Ahead of Adelaide Test

Australian wicketkeeper-batter Alex Carey has expressed confidence in his team’s ability to neutralize India’s premier pacer Jasprit Bumrah as they prepare for the second Test of the Border-Gavaskar Trophy in Adelaide. After India’s dominant performance in Perth, where Bumrah delivered a Man of the Match display, Australia is keen to bounce back and level the series.

Bumrah’s unique action and relentless pace proved too much for Australia’s top-order batters on the grassy Perth pitch. His match-winning figures of 9/72 at an astonishing average of 9.00 set a high benchmark for India’s bowling attack. Reflecting on the challenge ahead, Carey acknowledged Bumrah’s skill, calling him a “fantastic bowler.”

“We’ve seen what he can do. He’s been a world-class performer for years. But our batters are equally capable and always find solutions,” Carey said.

Australia’s strategy focuses on surviving Bumrah’s early spells with the new ball, a phase where he has often wreaked havoc. “We need to combat that first and second spell and try to push him into longer spells with an older ball,” Carey explained.

Drawing inspiration from Travis Head’s aggressive 89-run innings against Bumrah and the Indian attack with a worn-out ball, Carey highlighted the importance of adapting to the conditions. “Travis showed how to counterpunch against their seamers. I trust our batters to find ways, not just against Bumrah but also against the other bowlers who bowled impressively,” he noted.

Despite the crushing 295-run defeat in the first Test, the Australian camp remains optimistic. “We’re a united group. Every batter is eager to step up and put big runs on the board. The desire to perform better is strong across the team,” Carey added.

Also See: India vs Australia Series Schedule

India leads the series 1-0, but the upcoming day-night Test at Adelaide presents an opportunity for Australia to turn the tide. The pink-ball Test has been a happy hunting ground for the hosts, who famously inflicted a record collapse on India in 2020. With the series hanging in the balance, all eyes will be on how Australia adjusts to Bumrah’s brilliance and India’s formidable bowling attack.

The second Test begins on Friday, with Australia looking to avenge their loss and level the series.