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Bumrah will lead India in the first Test of the five-match series, which is scheduled to take place at Optus Stadium in Perth from Friday onwards.
Jasprit Bumrah and Pat Cummins pose for photo with Border-Gavaskar Trophy. (Picture Credit: AFP)
India’s stand-in captain Jasprit Bumrah has warned the Aussies to not take India lightly in the first Test of the five-match series, which is set to start on Friday (November 22) in Perth. While speaking to reporters on Thursday during the pre-match press conference ahead of the series opener at Optus Stadium, 30-year-old Bumrah, who will lead India for the second time in Test cricket, said that the Indian team is very well prepared.
“We are very well prepared because we came here early. We got some time to spend at WACA. A lot of youngsters are coming here for the first time. But when we came here for the first time, we got less time than this, and we ended up winning the series. We always believe and have confidence in our side. Whenever we play, whatever the situation might be, So yes, in terms of preparations, we are in a very good place. And then now it’s all about being mentally switched on, and we are looking to do that, and hopefully things will fall into place.”
Bumrah insisted that his team is not carrying any baggage from the unprecedented 0-3 defeat at home against New Zealand earlier this month.
“When you win you start from zero but when you lose, then also you also start from zero. We are not carrying any baggage from India. Yes, we have our learnings from New Zealand series but those were different conditions and our results here have been different,” said Bumrah, who is leading in the opening Test in the absence of Rohit Sharma, who is on paternity leave.
Bumrah also said that the team has finalised its playing XI although he will reveal it only at the toss.
“We have finalised our playing XI and you will get to know tomorrow morning before the start of the match,” the skipper said.
