Veteran Australian opener Usman Khawaja candidly reflected on his difficulties against India's premier fast bowler, Jasprit Bumrah, during the recently concluded Border-Gavaskar Trophy. Bumrah consistently challenged the Australian batsmen throughout the five-match series, dismissing Khawaja on six occasions and preventing the left-handed opener from establishing himself against the new ball.

Khawaja's performance in the series was disappointing, as he accumulated only 184 runs at an average of 20.44, with just one half-century to his name.

Discussing his challenges against Bumrah with the new ball, Khawaja expressed relief that Bumrah was unable to bowl on the third day of the final Test, which contributed to Australia's series victory of 3-1. 

“I was just getting Bumrah-ed. It was incredibly tough work. People were asking me what was happening, and I was just being honest; I was getting Bumrah-ed. I had to face him with the new ball every time. While I never wish for anyone to be injured, it was fortunate for us that he was. Today would have been a nightmare facing him on that wicket. His importance to the team was evident. As soon as we noticed he wasn’t on the field, we thought, ‘alright, we’ve got a chance here,’” Khawaja shared with ABC Sport.

Bumrah, aged 31, concluded the series as the leading wicket-taker, amassing an impressive total of 32 wickets, despite India losing the series 1-3 following a six-wicket defeat in the fifth Test at the SCG. He was awarded Player of the Series for his outstanding performance.

‘Jasprit Bumrah toughest bowler I’ve ever faced’: Usman Khawaja

Khawaja expressed that Bumrah is the most formidable bowler he has encountered, stating that throughout the five-match series, he felt unable to score runs against him.

"He is the most challenging bowler I have ever faced. I played against him in 2018, and he dismissed me once then, but this year he has been exceptional. It seems he has gained significant confidence. He is six years more experienced and has evolved into a superior bowler. He possesses a deep understanding of his skills and knows his opponents well, tailoring his strategies accordingly. Typically, I believe that even the best bowlers will provide opportunities to score, yet I never felt that way with him. It was incredibly difficult. It is easy to reflect on this now, especially since I likely won’t have to face him again, which I am grateful for," he remarked.

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