Pat Cummins and Jasprit Bumrah lead teams: Fast bowlers poised to sparkle as captains in historic Border-Gavaskar Trophy clash.

This is a rare phenomenon in the sport, as fast bowling captains have been scarce in international cricket. However, the power wielded by the fast bowlers in captaincy roles appears to gather steam, and both captains are thrilled about the prospect.

By Gaurav Santosh Nov 21, 2024, 12:29 IST

In Perth, the Border-Gavaskar Trophy (BGT) series opener promises to make history as Pat Cummins and Jasprit Bumrah, both fast bowlers, take up the captain's role with respective teams in one of the most exciting Test cricket matches. This is a rare phenomenon in the sport, as fast bowling captains have been scarce in international cricket. However, the power wielded by the fast bowlers in captaincy roles appears to gather steam, and both captains are thrilled about the prospect.

Australia's Pat Cummins, who has been a revelation as the country's captain, has taken the side to great heights not only in ODI but also Test cricket. In 31, he has proved himself as a tactician and a votary for fast bowlers in the leadership roles. Reflecting on the trend he said, "It should happen more. Tim Southee as New Zealand's Test captain last year showed that it can work well." Cummins excitement is evident as he faces off against Jasprit Bumrah, India's bowling spearhead, who is stepping into the captain's shoes in Perth.

Jasprit Bumrah supported his own skipper's opinion and complimented Cummins' leadership skills and feels that fast bowlers are better tacticians. "Pacers are tactically better," Bumrah said in a pre-match press conference. He also felt that great skippers like Kapil Dev had set a precedent for the fast bowlers in the long run. This will be Bumrah's second stint as captain after having led India in a 2022 Test against England. Rohit Sharma has been rested and Bumrah wants to make sure that India emerges victorious from here as Indian cricket team generally doesn't do good on Australian soil.

With Bumrah and Cummins, each leading their respective teams, this series could mark a shift in the future, where more fast bowlers are taken in as leaders in Test cricket. The ability to keep under pressure will provide valuable experience to Bumrah and how leadership skills endorse a proven one in Cummins, in what promises to be a keenly contested affair between India and Australia.

The Border Gavaskar Trophy is always great to watch, and an added dimension with two fast-bowling captains will only add charm to this iconic rivalry. Here's the coverage of what can possibly go down in history as a game changer for fast bowlers leading a team.

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