India's stand-in captain Jasprit Bumrah ran through the Australian top order in the final session of Day 1 of the first Test of the Border-Gavaskar Trophy in Perth. After India made only 150 with the bat, Bumrah led the bowling effort from the front. The 30-year-old first dismissed debutant opener Nathan McSweeney. Two overs later, he got Usman Khawaja and Steve Smith out on back-to-back deliveries. Later in the session, Bumrah again came back to dismiss opposite skipper Pat Cummins. Such was Bumrah's magnificence that many on social media were left in awe yet again.
"OK. With a lot of respect to a lot of great fast bowlers - I think Jasprit Bumrah is the best since Malcolm Marshall and I do not say this lightly," said one user on X.
"There's Jasprit Bumrah, then there is daylight, then there's everyone else," tweeted another account.
Bumrah proved why he is widely regarded as the best bowler in the world. Debutant McSweeney was dismissed for 10 runs. Khawaja followed suit having made eight runs, while Steve Smith was caught LBW first ball.
Bumrah's early havoc ensured that Australia never really got on with their innings. Later, when Bumrah came back and got Cummins, Australia were left at 59/7. They eventually ended the day on 67.
"Bumrah is now the most analysed player in cricket in current times. And yet, batters are no closer to figuring out the best way to play him," tweeted reputed sports journalist Harsha Bhogle.
Bumrah ended the day with figures of 4/17 in 10 overs. Mohammed Siraj chipped in with two wickets, while Harshit Rana picked up his maiden Test scalp.
After India had made only 150 in the first innings - largely thanks to a knock of 41 by debutant Nitish Reddy - the onus was on Bumrah to step up and lead India to a few wickets before the end of day's play. But Team India wouldn't have imagined they'd be quite so good with the ball even in their wildest dreams.