Sat Dec 07 09:08:58 UTC 2024: ## Australia Faces Humiliation After Perth Test Defeat; Head Challenges Bumrah Ahead of Adelaide
**Adelaide, Australia:** Australia is reeling from a shock defeat in the first Test against India in Perth, a venue where they were previously undefeated in Test cricket. The loss has left the Australian team shaken, prompting a pre-Adelaide Test mind game from star batsman Travis Head.
Head, confident after a strong performance in Perth (89 runs off 101 balls), has openly challenged India’s star bowler Jasprit Bumrah ahead of the upcoming day-night Test in Adelaide, starting Friday. He declared himself “the best” when asked about his preparation to face Bumrah’s bowling.
However, statistics paint a different picture. In their Test careers, Bumrah has dismissed Head three times, with Head averaging only 22.3 against the Indian paceman. Head has faced 159 balls from Bumrah, scoring just 67 runs.
The upcoming Adelaide Test, a day-night match using the pink ball, presents another challenge. Bumrah has a strong record with the pink ball, taking 10 wickets in three day-night Tests, including a best of 5 for 24. His overall record against Australia is also impressive.
While Head’s confidence is understandable given his Perth performance, overlooking Bumrah’s track record would be a mistake. Head has previously outperformed India in crucial matches, including the World Test Championship final and the ODI World Cup final, even with Bumrah in the Indian team. Therefore, India will likely have special plans to dismiss Head in Adelaide. The second Test promises a thrilling encounter between these two cricketing giants.
First Piper 