Jasprit Bumrah’s workload has been one critical aspect for India even during the lead-up to this Border-Gavaskar Trophy. From the very first day of the series, Bumrah has made his presence felt as he went on to win the Player-of-the-Match award in the opening Test in Perth, where he also had to captain the side in Rohit Sharma’s absence.

Things certainly looked rosy for both Bumrah and India following the 295-run win in Perth. But what transpired thereafter in Adelaide and so far in the ongoing third Test in Brisbane, it is increasingly evident that almost the entire weight of the bowling attack this time in Australia is on Bumrah. The others simply haven’t stepped up to complement his good work.

Whether it’s about bowling the most number of overs in an innings or guiding the younger fast bowlers in the group, Bumrah is quite clear in terms of his mindset. Going by his words, guiding the younger and lesser experienced ones in the bowling attack is one workload he will not mind taking.

“A lot of new players have come into the side, so we have to be considerate and give them that cushion which will help them learn. We had a little more experiencedside when we came here last time (in 2020-21), but this is a journey that every team will go through.

“Nobody’s born with all the experiences, nobody’s born with all the skills. You keep learning and you get better,” India’s pace spearhead, who shone once again with 6/76 in this third Test, said at the news conference at the Gabba on Monday.

The current Indian team is in transition, Bumrahfeels, so it’s important to ensure there’s no finger-pointing and blaming each other for on-field slip-ups. “As a team, we don’t point fingers at each other and don’t want to get into that mindset where we are pointing fingers at each other, saying ‘You should do this and do that.’

“Obviously, as a team, we’re going through a transition where new players are coming here (in Australia) and it’s not the easiest place to play cricket. Over here, it’s a different atmosphere with this (Gabba) wicket presenting a different challenge,” India’s vice-captain explained.

“As a bowling unit too, we are in transition. So, it’s my job to help others. I have played a little more than them, so I am trying to help them. So, I don’t look at it as if I have to do extra work,” Bumrah iterated on his role as a senior member of India’s bowling group.

Siraj ‘niggle’

Bumrah also revealed that his new-ball partner Mohammed Siraj has bowled with a “niggle” in Australia’s first innings at the Gabba. Siraj, who bowled well in patches, finished with 2/97 in 23.2 overs.

“I will give him credit because he had a little bit of a niggle but still kept bowling and helped the team as he knew if he goes inside and doesn’t bowl, the team will be under pressure. So, he has got a great attitude and a fighter spirit that the team loves,” Bumrah emphasised.