Legendary Australian captain Ricky Ponting has expressed high admiration for Indian fast bowler Jasprit Bumrah following his remarkable performances in the recently concluded Border-Gavaskar Trophy. Bumrah significantly influenced the five-match Test series with his exceptional bowling against Australia, taking a staggering 32 wickets at a strike rate of 28.38, thereby unsettling the Australian batting order.

Bumrah was instrumental in keeping India competitive in nearly every match throughout the series. His absence during the fourth innings of the SCG Test was notably felt, as it contributed to India's inability to secure a win while defending a target of 162 runs. The 31-year-old faced some back issues, which prevented him from bowling in the second innings of the final Test.

Ponting was thoroughly impressed by Bumrah's performance, declaring him the best in the field. He remarked that he had witnessed the finest display of fast bowling by a pacer in his experience.

"Without a doubt, this is likely the best series of fast bowling I have ever observed. While the conditions favoured fast bowlers for much of the series, Bumrah's bowling made batting appear exceedingly challenging compared to others," Ponting stated to ICC.

During this outstanding series, Bumrah surpassed former Indian captain Kapil Dev to become the Indian bowler with the most Test wickets in Australia, achieving 64 wickets at an average of 17.15, in contrast to Kapil's 51 wickets at 24.58.

The two-time World Cup-winning captain noted that Bumrah frequently made the formidable Australian batting lineup appear foolish throughout the series. "There is considerable quality in the Australian top order, yet he managed to make each of them look foolish at various points," he added.

‘Missed out on the spiciest wicket of the series’: Bumrah on injury

Bumrah conveyed his dissatisfaction regarding his inability to bowl in the second innings of the SCG Test, while also disclosing that he encountered some difficulties during his second spell in the first innings. 

"It is somewhat frustrating, but one must listen to their body; it is not wise to go against it," Bumrah stated during the post-match presentation. "It is disappointing, as I likely missed the most challenging wicket of the series. I experienced some discomfort during my second spell in the first innings."

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