Allan Border, one of the legends of Australian cricket, has praised Jasprit Bumrah as a potential future captain for India, following the pacer’s remarkable leadership in the first Test of the Border-Gavaskar Trophy in Perth.

Bumrah, who captained India for the first time during the rescheduled Test against England in 2022, led his team to a remarkable 295-run victory over Australia at Optus Stadium.

Border commended Bumrah’s captaincy, emphasizing his excellent decision-making and tactical skills. “He will do a very good job. In Perth, he utilized his resources effectively. You couldn’t fault his field placements and captaincy,” Border stated.

Bumrah showcased exceptional leadership, particularly in managing his own bowling and establishing strategic field placements, both of which played a crucial role in India’s success. He has been outstanding throughout the series, emerging as the leading wicket-taker with 21 wickets over three Tests, including a key six-wicket haul in Brisbane.

Border also pointed out that Bumrah’s unique bowling style significantly contributed to his success. “Bumrah is currently on a different level. His wrist action and release points differ from other bowlers. Due to his hyperextension, he releases the ball a full foot further down the pitch compared to others. His unconventional run-up and the snap of his wrists make him exceptional,” Border remarked.

The fourth Test is set to begin at the iconic Melbourne Cricket Ground on December 26, with India eager to stage a strong comeback in the series. With 21 wickets at an impressive economy rate of 2.60, Bumrah has been instrumental in India’s strong performances thus far, and the team will be counting on their star bowler to deliver once again.

Bumrah’s outstanding performance has allowed him to eclipse Kapil Dev’s record of 51 wickets in Australia. By the time of the third Test in Brisbane, Bumrah had become India’s leading Test wicket-taker on Australian soil, amassing 53 dismissals.

In Perth, Bumrah showcased his match-winning capabilities, claiming figures of 5 for 30 in the first innings to help restrict Australia to just 104 runs. He followed that up with 3 for 42 in the second innings, contributing to India’s impressive 295-run victory. His remarkable display earned him the Player of the Match award.

Not only has Bumrah demonstrated his prowess as a bowler, but he has also shown himself to be a competent leader. Allan Border’s accolades reflect Bumrah’s potential to thrive as a captain, akin to the success of Pat Cummins.

Australia 291/7 (Sutherland 105, McGrath 34, Penfold 4-42, Carson 2-65) defeated New Zealand 122/5 (Kerr 38, James 27, Garth 2-17) by 65 runs (via DLS)*

Australia secured a commanding 65-run victory over New Zealand in a rain-affected second ODI at the Basin Reserve, with Annabel Sutherland once again taking center stage with an unbeaten 105. The rain-hit match, which saw Australia post 291 for 7, was halted after 31 overs with New Zealand on 122 for 5, ensuring Australia’s 14th consecutive win over their trans-Tasman rivals.

The contest began with anticipation surrounding Alyssa Healy’s return to the international fold after a lengthy injury layoff. Healy, playing as a specialist batter, contributed a steady 34 off 32 balls, providing solid support at the top of the order. However, it was Sutherland’s explosive innings that truly dominated the day.

Sutherland, who had recently made an impressive 110 against India in Perth, showed her prowess in tough batting conditions. She became the first player to hit back-to-back ODI centuries from the No.5 position, guiding Australia to a challenging total. With the ball swinging in the seaming conditions, New Zealand’s bowlers struggled to contain her. Sutherland launched two sixes in the final overs and reached her century off just 78 balls, sealing her third ODI ton with a boundary.

After a rain delay disrupted play, New Zealand found themselves needing to chase a steep target, and the early loss of key wickets left them in a difficult position. Debutant Bella James was aggressive early on, pulling Megan Schutt for a six, but her knock ended at 27 when she was caught off Kim Garth. Suzie Bates, who had presented James with her debut cap, was dismissed cheaply, leaving New Zealand at 60 for 3.

Captain Sophie Devine’s departure after edging Ellyse Perry further put New Zealand on the back foot, and although Jess Kerr and Frankie MacDonald showed resilience, the required run rate was steadily climbing. New Zealand’s hopes were dashed as the heavens opened up, signaling the end of the match with them still well short of the target.

The rain-shortened match reflected not just Australia’s superiority with the bat, but also the challenges New Zealand faced in the field. Notably, debutant James had a tough outing, dropping three catches, including one when Sutherland was on 26. Despite a spirited 4-46 from Molly Penfold, New Zealand’s fielding lapses proved costly.

For Australia, the win was a continuation of their dominant form after their 3-0 whitewash against India. New Zealand’s defeat has complicated their path to directly qualifying for the 2025 Women’s World Cup, with the team sitting precariously in sixth position on the Women’s Championship standings.

The match marked a significant milestone for Healy, who made her return after a lengthy injury layoff. Although her knock was brief, it was a welcome sight for Australia’s leadership. She has been working hard in the nets to regain form, and her boundary off Rosemary Mair’s second ball was a signal of her readiness for the challenges ahead.

The ODI series will now shift focus to the third and final match, with both teams eager to secure a crucial victory as the Women’s Championship points race continues.

Day one of the third Test between India and Australia in Brisbane was cut short by persistent rain, with only 13.2 overs of play possible. The Australian openers, Usman Khawaja and Nathan McSweeney, managed a cautious start, guiding their team to 28 without loss before bad weather forced an early end to the day’s proceedings.

Khawaja, the local favorite, remained unbeaten on 19 from 47 balls, while debutant McSweeney showcased solid defense, scoring 4 off 33 deliveries. The pair demonstrated restraint against India’s pace attack, led by Jasprit Bumrah and Mohammed Siraj, who struggled to exploit the overcast conditions effectively.

Despite favorable conditions, the Indian bowlers failed to mount significant pressure. Jasprit Bumrah’s six-over spell (0/8) lacked penetration, and Mohammed Siraj (0/13 in 4 overs) occasionally pitched too short, allowing the batters to leave comfortably. Akash Deep, playing his first Test, looked the most threatening, maintaining a probing off-stump line in his three overs before rain halted play.

Khawaja handled Bumrah’s deliveries with precision, minimizing risks by playing close to his body and leaving deliveries outside the off-stump. He picked up boundaries with controlled pulls off Siraj and exhibited his experience against India’s attack. McSweeney, on the other hand, focused on blunting the new ball and providing steady support.

The day’s play was interrupted twice by rain, with the second break ending hopes of further action. The weather forecast for the remaining four days suggests more disruptions, potentially leading to a start-stop contest.

For India, the limited play provided a mixed bag. While the Australians didn’t run away with the score, the Indian bowlers missed the opportunity to ask tougher questions early in the innings. The lack of swing and inconsistent lengths meant the Australian openers had relatively few challenges to overcome.

As play resumes, both teams will be keen to make the most of any dry spells. For India, tightening the bowling lines and forcing the batters to play will be crucial, while Australia will look to build on this steady start to gain a strong foothold in the match.