In a remarkable display of courage and unexpected skill, Jasprit Bumrah pulled off an extraordinary shot that left Pat Cummins and the Australian team stunned. On Day 4 of the gripping Test match, Bumrah, renowned for his bowling exploits rather than his batting, nonchalantly dispatched Cummins for maximum. The sheer audacity of the stroke caught everyone off guard, including the Australian captain, who could do little but smile wryly as he walked back to his bowling mark, acknowledging the brilliance and unpredictability of the moment.
The shot from Jasprit Bumrah that left Pat Cummins smiling
The moment unfolded on the 67.1st over, when Cummins, looking to wrap up India’s innings, unleashed a sharp, short-pitched delivery directed at Bumrah’s shoulder height. Unfazed by the pace and bounce, Bumrah instinctively got inside the line of the ball and executed a clean hook shot, sending the red cherry soaring into the fine-leg stands. The commentators erupted in surprise, the crowd roared, and Cummins’ reaction – a wide smile – perfectly captured the mood. It was a moment that symbolized the beauty and unpredictability of Test cricket.
Bumrah’s six marked the 10th maximum of his Test career, a remarkable feat for a lower-order batter known more for blocking and frustrating bowlers rather than playing such flamboyant shots. The boundary not only added vital runs to India’s total but also lifted the morale of the team, as the visitors found themselves in dire need of resilience from their tailenders.
Here’s the video:
Jasprit Bumrah just smashes Pat Cummins for six! #AUSvIND pic.twitter.com/vOwqRwBaZD
— cricket.com.au (@cricketcomau) December 17, 2024
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Bumrah and Akash Deep’s gritty partnership: Lifting the follow-on sword
Bumrah’s heroics were followed by another unexpected but equally enthralling moment when Akash Deep, playing in his debut Test, showcased his intent by launching a monstrous six off Cummins. With India teetering on the brink of a follow-on, it was this spirited 10th-wicket stand between Bumrah and Deep that provided a much-needed breather.
The Indian lower order, often criticized for its inability to contribute, displayed uncharacteristic aggression and determination under pressure. Bumrah’s unbeaten knock of 10 runs combined with Deep’s powerful stroke not only helped India avoid the ignominy of a follow-on but also added a touch of fightback to an otherwise challenging day.
The audacious efforts from India’s No. 10 and No. 11 were a timely reminder of the unique drama and unpredictability that Test cricket offers. Cummins, despite being visibly frustrated, could only admire the resilience of the Indian tail, which stood tall against one of the most potent bowling attacks in the world. At 252/9, India still trails Australia by 193 runs, a deficit that places the visitors in a perilous situation. However, the gritty partnership between Bumrah and Akash Deep has ensured that India heads into Day 5 with a sliver of hope.
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