"It helped as I was at the non-striker's end" - Pat Cummins' amusing comment on Indian player ahead of BGT 2024-25 5th Test

Australian skipper Pat Cummins hailed ace Indian pacer Jasprit Bumrah and hilariously stated how staying at the non-striker's end helped him score runs in the fourth Test at Melbourne. Bumrah has been a thorn in the Australian side with his incredible bowling throughout the ongoing Border-Gavaskar Trophy.

Despite India trailing 1-2 after four Tests, Bumrah is leading the wicket-taking charts with 30 scalps at an incredible average of 12.83 in eight innings. He also has three five-wicket and two four-wicket hauls in the series.

Meanwhile, Cummins added invaluable runs to Australia's total in the first and second innings of the fourth Test, scoring 49 and 41, respectively.

Talking about the Bumrah challenge on the eve of the fifth Test, Cummins, as quoted by TOI, said:

"Bumrah is bowling well at the moment. He is always tough. Hopefully, by the time I come in, late in the day, he has bowled quite a bit, which might make it a bit easier for me. But he is bowling well. I've faced him quite a bit across the world in different formats, and he always poses a challenge. Last game, it helped as I was at the non-striker's end. That certainly helped [Laughs]."

Bumrah is currently the No.1 bowler in the ICC Men's Test bowling rankings.

He achieved the 200-wicket milestone in Tests in the Boxing Day outing, becoming the first bowler in history to boast 200 or more wickets at an average of under 20 (19.42).

Pat Cummins confirms Australia's playing XI for Sydney

New Zealand v Australia - Men's 1st Test: Previews - Source: Getty

Pat Cummins confirmed Australia's playing XI for the all-important fifth and final Test at Sydney, starting January 3.

While the bowling attack will remain the same, all-rounder Mitchell Marsh has been dropped in favor of fellow pace-bowling all-rounder Beau Webster, who will make his Australian debut.

"Mitch obviously hasn't quite got the runs or wickets he would have liked this series and felt like it was time for a freshen up. Beau's been with the squad and been great. It's a shame for Mitchy because we know how much he brings to the team., but we feel like now is a good time for Beau to get a chance," said Cummins.

Marsh has been woefully out of form, scoring only 73 runs at an average of 10.42 and picking up three wickets at an average of over 46 in four Tests.