'It's always going to be a challenge' - Steve Smith opines on facing Jasprit Bumrah

Steve Smith, the experienced batter of Australia, has praised Jasprit Bumrah as the best bowler in the all-format of the game. During an interaction with Star Sports ahead of the Border-Gavaskar Trophy Steve Smith stated that Jasprit Bumrah has a hard time batting with both new ball and old ball. The Border-Gavaskar series between India and Australia will start on 22nd November and will be a five-match test series. 

The first test match of the series will be held at Perth. The last two series in Australia have been won by India. Australia will significantly rely on Jasprit Bumrah's uncommon skills if India is to complete a three-peat. "He's a wonderful bowler, whether I face him with the new ball, slightly older ball, or even the old ball. He's got great skills with all of them. He's a great bowler, arguably the best fast bowler across the three formats. It's always going to be a challenge," Smith told Star Sports.

The 35-year-old has opened matches for Australia in the last two series, and against India, he is anticipated to continue doing so. Smith, who has played in 109 Test matches, is almost at 10,000 runs. The batter would need to bat out of his skin to achieve the record. Steve Smith has 9,685 runs at the time in Test cricket. In contrast, Bumrah has excelled since making his Test debut in January 2018, amassing 164 wickets at an average of 20.51 in 37 games.

Jasprit Bumrah helped India to win T20 World Cup

Jasprit Bumrah has been very effective in Australia with the old ball and outwitting the opposition hitters.At an average of 21.25, Bumrah has taken 32 wickets in 7 matches. During the last two ICC trophies, the fast bowler made a big difference for India. Bumrah was unable to lead India to victory in the ODI World Cup at home, but he was successful in leading India to victory in the T20 World Cup 2024 in Barbados.

India is presently engaged in their home test season. Prior to leaving for Australia, India will play three Test matches against New Zealand following their two-match Test series against Bangladesh. India have won the first Test match against Bangladesh by 280 runs in Chennai.