Published By: Sanchari Das

BGT 2024-25: When Boom Boom Bumrah’s Super Six-Fer Stunned the Baggy Greens

As the Border-Gavaskar Trophy looms, Bumrah's legendary spell at the MCG remains a blueprint for success

Jasprit Bumrah, synonymous with mastery and menace, is the backbone of India's pace attack. As we gear up for the Border-Gavaskar Trophy (BGT) 2024-25, it's time to rewind to one of his finest performances at the Melbourne Cricket Ground (MCG) 2018. Bumrah's 6-33 and 3-53 at Melbourne was a career-defining spell that showcased his lethal blend of speed, accuracy, and strategy. His incredible effort was instrumental in India securing a crucial 137-run win, setting the tone for an unforgettable series victory Down Under.

A decisive Test match in the series

The 2018 Test series was delicately poised at 1-1 when India entered the Boxing Day Test at the MCG. India had won the opener in Adelaide but lost the momentum in Perth. With rain forecasted, India needed to take decisive action on a slow pitch. After a gritty first-innings total of 443 declared, the pressure was on the bowlers. Bumrah stepped up when it mattered most, proving his mettle on a surface that had previously seen only 24 wickets fall in an Ashes draw. His spell turned the match on its head.

The six-wicket haul that shocked Australia

Bumrah's six-wicket haul was a masterclass in bowling precision and tactics. His first three wickets came on day three, all from round the wicket to left-handers. A fierce bouncer dismissed Marcus Harris, cramping him for room. Travis Head fell victim to a pinpoint yorker that hinted at reverse swing. The highlight was his deceptive slower ball to Shaun Marsh just before lunch, catching the batsman completely off guard. Expecting a 140 kph delivery, Marsh was beaten by a clever change-up at 113 kph, trapped leg-before by a ball that dipped late.

A game-changer on a dead surface

The MCG pitch was considered lifeless for the first two days, drawing criticism for its flat nature. However, Bumrah's brilliance proved otherwise. His relentless attack dismantled the Australian lineup, reducing them to a mere 151 in the first innings. The surface, which initially seemed flat, began to show cracks and unpredictable bounce, but Bumrah's consistency and variation made the real difference. His six-wicket spell showcased his ability to exploit even the slightest imperfections in the pitch, turning the tide in India's favour.

Tactically astute and technically sound

Virat Kohli's field placements played a significant role in Bumrah's success. Aware of Australia's vulnerabilities, Kohli set attacking fields, aiding Bumrah's precision bowling. Bumrah exploited these tactics, using short deliveries and inswingers to perfection. His dismissal of Marcus Harris after a helmet blow the previous day showcased his match awareness. Bumrah's use of the slower ball amidst a barrage of fast deliveries was a testament to his tactical brilliance. His spell left the Australian batters in disarray, paving the way for India's dominance.

Record-breaking year for Bumrah

Bumrah's performance at Melbourne was a game-changer and a record-breaker. 2018 marked his breakthrough year in Test cricket. Making his debut earlier that year in South Africa, Bumrah quickly established himself as a lethal weapon in India's arsenal. He claimed five-wicket hauls in South Africa, England, and Australia, becoming the first Asian bowler to achieve this feat in a debut year. His 6-33 at Melbourne was a career-best, contributing significantly to his tally of 44 wickets in 2018, surpassing Dileep Doshi's record of most wickets by an Indian in a debut calendar year.

Impact on the series and legacy

India's decision not to enforce the follow-on after gaining a 292-run lead showcased their strategy to avoid batting last on a tricky surface. Despite a quick collapse in the second innings, Bumrah's heroics had already set up a commanding position. By the end of day four, Australia was left chasing a near-impossible target. Bumrah's nine wickets across both innings exemplified his impact, making him the highest wicket-taker for India in an overseas series that year. His efforts were crucial in India's historic 2-1 series win, their first-ever series victory on Australian soil.