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India vs Australia: Bumrah will lead the Indian team in the absence of Rohit Sharma, who has delayed his arrival in Australia due to the birth of his second child.
Jasprit Bumrah will captain India in first Test against Australia. (Picture Credit: AFP)
India vs Australia: Star Indian pacer Jasprit Bumrah confirmed on Thursday (November 21) that he will lead India in the first Test of the 2024-25 edition of the Border-Gavaskar Trophy. While speaking to reporters in Perth on Thursday during the pre-match press conference, the 30-year-old fast bowler said he will step up to take the top job in the absence of Rohit Sharma, who is yet to arrive in Australia.
Rohit delayed his arrival due to the birth of his second child. The 37-year-old right-handed batter was blessed with a baby boy on November 15.
“I spoke to Rohit, but when we came here (Australia), then I got a little more clarity because he was also not sure about his situation at that moment. But yeah, when I came here, then the coach (Gautam Gambhir) and the management gave me the clarity that I’ll be leading in this game,” he said.
During the presser, the star pacer was also asked about India’s playing XI for the Perth Test, and though he said that the team has been finalised, he will reveal the side during the toss on Friday morning.
“Yes, we have finalised it (playing XI), and you will come to know probably tomorrow (Friday) just before the game. But yes, but we are sure of the combination that we want to play. And yeah, we are pretty confident in each individual that’s going to represent India,” he said.
The 30-year-old pacer, who played a big role in India’s last two Test series wins in Australia, also hinted at Mohammed Shami’s inclusion in India’s squad for the second half of the Border-Gavaskar Trophy. According to him, Shami has started to play cricket, and the team management is keeping a keen eye on him.
“Shami Shami bhai has started to play cricket and is obviously an integral part of this team. So yeah, I’m sure the management is also keeping a keen eye, and hopefully, you know, things fall in place and you might see him here as well.”
Shami’s last Test appearance for India was against Australia in June 2023 during the World Test Championship final. He was rested for the away series in the West Indies and then missed the next four red-ball series against South Africa, England, Bangladesh, and New Zealand due to injury and fitness-related issues.
