The ongoing Border-Gavaskar Trophy 2024 has prominently featured Jasprit Bumrah, despite India's batting difficulties. The Indian fast bowler has been a formidable force, dismantling the Australian batting lineup on Day 4 of the fourth Test match in Melbourne.

Nitish Kumar Reddy managed to add only nine runs to his maiden century from Day 3 before being dismissed by Nathan Lyon. This marked the final wicket of the innings, with Reddy's score of 114 contributing to India's total of 369 in response to Australia's first innings score of 474. Although the hosts maintained a lead of 105 runs, the match remained competitive as Bumrah prepared for the second innings.

Initially, debutant Sam Konstas had troubled Bumrah in the first innings with a half-century. However, this time, Bumrah struck back with a full-length delivery that slipped through the gap between Konstas' bat and pad, dislodging the bails and sending the 19-year-old back for eight runs off 18 balls. 

Bumrah then claimed the crucial wicket of Travis Head, who has been a significant threat to India in recent matches. Head's dismissal came when he chipped a delivery straight to Nitish at square leg, leaving Australia at 85/4. This wicket also marked Bumrah's 200th in Test cricket.

In the same over, Bumrah dismissed Mitchell Marsh for a four-ball duck and followed up by taking the wicket of Alex Carey, who scored just 2 runs. As Day 5 approaches, India faces a daunting challenge, with Australia concluding the day at 228/9, holding a substantial lead of 333 runs. Nathan Lyon (41*) and Scott Boland (10*) will continue batting for the home team on the final day.

Adam Gilchrist honors Jasprit Bumrah

Australia cricketing icon Adam Gilchrist praised Bumrah's exceptional performance, describing him as 'a world-class performer' and expressing his astonishment. During a segment on Fox Cricket, he remarked, “Bumrah is playing in a league of his own, far removed from the rest of the players in the game. It is truly remarkable to witness.”

“We are running out of adjectives to adequately convey his prowess. He is a world-class performer, undoubtedly one of the finest we have ever seen at the MCG,” he continued.

With a bowling average of 19.52 and over 200 Test wickets, Bumrah surpasses the averages of legendary bowlers such as Malcolm Marshall, Joel Garner, Curtly Ambrose, and Fred Trueman.

“Consider the other names on that list. He stands out among them. In discussions with those who faced the West Indian greats, they often remark on how nearly impossible it was to confront Marshall, Garner, and Ambrose. Bumrah is clearly in a class of his own,” Gilchrist stated.

In the current series, Bumrah has taken 29 wickets and aims to conclude the Australian second innings on Monday.

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