Jasprit Bumrah is India's X-factor, incredible in every format: Travis Head

Border-Gavaskar Trophy: Australian batter Travis Head has lauded Jasprit Bumrah as a formidable challenge for Australian batters, highlighting his unpredictable bowling style.

In Short

• Travis Head praises Jasprit Bumrah as India's X-factor.
• Bumrah set to lead India in the first Test against Australia
• Khawaja and Steve Smith find Bumrah's action challenging

Australian batter Travis Head has hailed Jasprit Bumrah as India's X-factor and one of the most challenging bowlers to face across all formats. With Rohit Sharma yet to arrive in Perth for the Border-Gavaskar Trophy opener, Bumrah is expected to lead India in the first Test. This would mark the second time Bumrah captains India in Test cricket, the first being against England in 2021. Despite limited captaincy experience, his prowess with the ball remains Australia's primary concern.

The 30-year-old pacer, known for his unorthodox action, lethal yorkers, and ability to swing the ball both ways, has consistently troubled batters in all conditions. His Test record in Australia is particularly impressive, with 32 wickets in 7 matches at an average of 21.25. Head described Bumrah as "impossible" to predict, emphasizing the bowler's ability to stay ahead of batters.

"You try to feel like you're one step ahead, but it always feels like he's that next step," Head said while speaking to Fox Cricket. "Any format of the game, he's incredible. In big moments you want big players, and I think he's their biggest. You've got your work cut out as a batter," Head added.

Opener Usman Khawaja echoed Head's sentiments, recalling his first encounter with Bumrah's deceptive action. "When I first faced Bumrah, I was like, 'Oh where did that come from?' It comes at you a little bit quicker than you expect because of the awkwardness of his action and how he releases the ball," Khawaja said.

"Much like Mitchell Johnson, he had a weird action too. The ball used to come out and felt like it got to you quicker because you didn't get a look at it the whole way. Jasprit's a little bit the same, with arms going everywhere," he added.

Veteran batter Steve Smith, who has faced Bumrah numerous times, admitted that despite familiarity, it still takes a few deliveries to adjust to Bumrah's rhythm. "He's just awkward with the way he bowls, it's obviously very different to a lot of other people. "It takes a little bit getting used to. I've played against him quite a lot now, and it still takes a couple of balls to get used to the different rhythm, Smith told Fox Cricket.

As the Border-Gavaskar Trophy kicks off, Bumrah's form and leadership will be pivotal for India. For Australia, neutralizing the threat of their "impossible" nemesis will be essential to gaining an early advantage in the highly anticipated series.