Steve Smith Highlights Jasprit Bumrah's Unique Bowling Action And Complete Skill Set

Steve Smith, a leading Australian batsman, has lauded Indian fast bowler Jasprit Bumrah for his distinctive bowling style and remarkable skills, describing him as a "complete package." Bumrah's performance was pivotal in India's 295-run victory in the first Test, where he claimed eight wickets, including a five-wicket haul in the first innings.

"From the start of his run-up, it's just all awkward," Smith told the Sydney Morning Herald. "The way he runs in is different to pretty much anyone else, then the last bit of his action is different. I've faced him a reasonable amount now, and each time you face him it takes a few balls just to get the rhythm of it in a way."

Bumrah's unique bowling action was highlighted by former Pakistan captain Wasim Akram. He pointed out that Bumrah releases the ball closer to the batsman than most bowlers, making it difficult to judge its length. This release point can catch batters off guard more than they anticipate.

"He releases the ball closer to you than any other bowler, just the way he does it. So maybe it rushes you a bit more than you think, and it's just an awkward action," said Smith, who was dismissed by Bumrah for a duck.

Former Australian seamer Damien Fleming compared Bumrah to a "Terminator," noting his instinct-driven approach. Fleming praised Bumrah's ability to spot weaknesses and plan deliveries accordingly. He recalled Bumrah's slower ball dismissal of Shaun Marsh during the 2018-19 Border-Gavaskar Trophy as evidence of his tactical brilliance.

"There's that famous dismissal of Shaun Marsh [at the MCG in 2018] in the over before lunch. I was commentating at the time, and I could almost pick what was going to happen," Fleming said.

Mastery of Skills

Bumrah possesses an extensive range of skills such as outswingers, inswingers, off-cutters, slower balls, yorkers, and bouncers. According to Fleming, these abilities provide Bumrah with numerous options on the field. "Like the Terminator, he's always stalking the batsmen. And the batsmen know that, but they're still unsure what's coming," Fleming added.

India is set to face Australia again in a Pink-ball Test match starting on December 6 in Adelaide.