Border-Gavaskar Trophy, Gabba Test Day 2 | Jasprit Bumrah has done things right, but can others execute: Ravi Shastri

Ravi Shastri questioned if the rest of the Indian bowlers can execute their plans properly after Jasprit Bumrah’s heroics on Day 2 of the Gabba Test on Sunday, December 15. Bumrah was the bright spot in an otherwise dull and tiring day for the Indian team as Travis Head and Steve Smith scored hundreds.

Bumrah picked up 5 wickets for 72 runs in 25 overs, but the rest of the pack failed to deliver. Despite Nitish Reddy and Mohammed Siraj picking one wicket each, the rest of the bowlers barring Bumrah were leaking runs as Head and Smith’s centuries helped Australia post 405 runs for the loss of 7 wickets at stumps on Sunday. Speaking to SEN Radio, Shastri said that the rest of the bowlers were giving away runs from both sides.

AUS vs IND 3rd Test Day 2: Highlights | Scorecard

The former India coach was left wondering if the rest of the bowlers could execute the plans like Bumrah during the series.

“They were giving away runs on both sides,” India great and former coach Ravi Shastri told SEN Radio.

“Bumrah has done most things right, but I think when you look at the others you think, ‘Can they execute?'”

They have to think how to bowl on one side

Shastri said that the rest of the bowlers need to think how to bowl on one side of the wicket and keep their lines consistent.

“They have to think how to bowl on one side of the wicket.”

“If (Head) has to score, if it’s the offside, then hold the line consistent. Then if he wants to go onside he has to take a chance.”

“When you have someone cutting you for four and pulling you for four, it becomes very hard for the captain. Then when you pitch up he drives you for four,” said Shastri.

Shastri also said that the Indian bowlers need to keep things simple. While Bumrah currently has 17 wickets to his name in the series, the next best bowler is Siraj who has 10 wickets to his name.