'I was just getting Bumrah'd....' - Usman Khawaja opens up on Team India pacer's absence in final innings of BGT showdown

Australia's opening batter Usman Khawaja has expressed relief at not having to face Team India's stand-in skipper, Jasprit Bumrah, in the final innings of the fifth Test match at the historic Sydney Cricket Stadium. Khawaja, who had fallen to the Indian pacer six times during the series, wasn't shy to Bumrah the toughest bowler he had ever faced.

It's worth mentioning that India's star bowler, Jasprit Bumrah, had an impressive series, taking 32 wickets in the five Test matches at an average of 13.06. However, a back spasm ruled him out of the bowling in the final Test match in Sydney, where the Aussies chased down 162 runs to win the fifth Test match and series 3-1.

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Today would've been an absolute nightmare facing him on that wicket: Usman Khawaja

Reflecting on the challenges of facing the Indian pacer, the Aussie star batter admitted that he was lucky enough to not face Bumrah on Day 3 of the third Test match and called him an "absolute nightmare" on that pitch. Notably, the home team chased down 162 runs to win the final Test match on Day 3 at SCG and seems a bit relieved to see the 31-year-old Indian pacer missing from India's bowling attack due to injury.

"I was just getting Bumrah'd. It's a shame he was (injured) but thank god for us. Today would've been an absolute nightmare facing him on that wicket. As soon as we didn't see him out there we thought 'alright, we've got a chance here'. He's the toughest bowler I've ever faced. I've never met anyone so arrogant but so endearing at the same time. He's a very lovable character," said Khawaja on ABC Sport after the series ended in a six-wicket win for Australia at Sydney.

Meanwhile, Jasprit Bumrah's 32 wickets in the series have earned him the 'Player of the Series' award despite Team India suffering a crushing defeat against Pat Cummins and his men by 1-3.