Sun Jan 05 08:58:49 UTC 2025: ## Khawaja Calls Bumrah “Toughest Bowler Ever Faced” After Australia’s Series Win
**Sydney, Australia –** Australia celebrated a 3-1 series victory over India in the Border-Gavaskar Trophy, with Australian opener Usman Khawaja declaring India’s Jasprit Bumrah the most challenging bowler he has ever encountered. Khawaja humorously stated that he was consistently “Bumrah’d” throughout the series. Bumrah, who won the Player of the Series award with an impressive 32 wickets at an average of 13.06 and a strike rate of 28.37, was ultimately sidelined by a back injury in the final match, a development Khawaja and other Australian players openly welcomed.
Travis Head echoed Khawaja’s sentiments, noting Bumrah’s exceptional performance and the relief felt by the Australian team when he was unable to bowl in the final test. Head’s 46-run partnership with Khawaja was crucial in securing Australia’s six-wicket win in Sydney. Head attributed their success to their strong partnership and expressed excitement for the upcoming Sri Lanka tour, acknowledging the intense five-Test series and extensive media attention.
Beau Webster, making a memorable Test debut, highlighted the thrilling final match and the enthusiastic crowd support. Mitchell Starc, while acknowledging his own back injury, also expressed his excitement for the upcoming Sri Lanka tour and his role commentating on the Women’s Ashes, where his wife Alyssa Healy will captain the Australian team. The series concluded with Australia’s decisive victory and a resounding testament to the skill and resilience of both teams.
First Piper 