"He is a right-hand version of Wasim Akram" - Ex-Aussie opener on Jasprit Bumrah amid BGT 2024-25

Form Australian opener Justin Langer has lauded Jasprit Bumrah for his performances in the ongoing Border-Gavaskar Trophy (BGT) 2024-25, calling him as the right-handed version of Wasim Akram. Langer acknowmedged that he would hate to face the Indian pacer if it came down to it.

Bumrah has been head and shoulders above any other pacer in the ongoing BGT series against Australia, taking 21 scalps in six innings at an average of 10.90. He has claimed two five-wicket hauls and has been a nightmare for Australia's opening batters.

Writing in his column The Nightly, the 105-Test veteran observed how Bumrah holds the ability to swing the ball both ways and that seam position is picture perfect. Langer feels if the balls comes out of any bowler's hands like it does for Bumrah, batters are bound to struggle.

"I would hate to face him. He is like Wasim Akram. For me, he is a right-hand version of Wasim Akram, and every time I am asked the question ‘who is the best bowler you have ever faced'. He has got the ability to swing the ball both ways, his seam is literally picture perfect," Langer said.

"If you present a perfect seam and it comes perfectly out of the fingers like it does with him, you get the double whammy, swing in the right conditions and if it hits the rope it can go either way. That’s what Akram used to do and we was a nightmare to face. I would hate to face Bumrah," he added.

However, Bumrah had significant workloads during the Adelaide and Brisbane Test. He sent down more than 20 overs each in both the last two Tests but his effectiveness didn't come down.

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"There will be some discussions about a few players" - Justin Langer on Australia ahead of last two BGT Tests

Justin Langer. (Image Credits: Getty)

Despite Usman Khawaja and Nathan McSweeney struggling in the series so far, he 54-year-old sees them retaining their spots for the Sydney and Melbourne Tests. Langer added:

"I can’t see them making any changes now at 1-1 in the series. There will be some discussions about a few players, but my gut feeling is they will keep it the same."

The fourth BGT Test between India and Australia will begin on December 26 at the Melbourne Cricket Ground (MCG).