Nathan McSweeney opens up on facing ‘incredible’ Jasprit Bumrah during Border-Gavaskar series

Australian opener Nathan McSweeney said it was really challenging to face World No.1 Test bowler Jasprit Bumrah during the Border-Gavaskar series. The right-hander admitted he was a bit naive and thought he would be fine against Bumrah.

But Bumrah gave a reality check to the youngster as he breathed down his neck in the first half of the series. The gun fast bowler was able to dismiss McSweeney on four occasions in the first three Test matches of the series.

Speaking on the Willow Talk podcast, McSweeney said, “Yeah, tough work is probably an understatement. He’s an incredible bowler. I was probably naive going into it, never faced him before and (thinking) he’ll be fine. But he’s an incredible bowler that has a great skill but just relentless ability to pitch the ball in the area where you don’t want as a batter.”

“So, it was a very tough challenge but also gave me a hope that no one kind of had great success against him and everyone was trying to tackle him at the same time and no one was playing him with ease, which gave me a little bit of confidence,” he added.

Meanwhile, Bumrah was adjudged Player of the Series as he bagged 32 wickets in five Test matches at a splendid average of 13.06. Bumrah suffered a back injury in the last Test at Sydney and thus could not bowl in the second innings. Bumrah is expected to miss the first three matches for Mumbai Indians in the upcoming IPL 2025 as he is yet to reach full fitness.

MI will begin their IPL 2025 campaign against CSK at the MA Chidambaram Stadium, Chennai on 23rd March.

On the other hand, McSweeney was dropped after the first three Test matches against India as the Australian selectors picked Sam Konstas for the last two games.