NEW DELHI: Debutant all-rounder Beau Webster acknowledged the significant challenge of facing India’s premier fast bowler Jasprit Bumrah on the SCG‘s seam-friendly surface. After India’s dismissal for 185, Australia concluded Day 1 at 9/1, losing Usman Khawaja to Bumrah on the final delivery of the day.
During the post-day press conference, Webster highlighted the necessity of a strategic batting approach while recognising Bumrah’s exceptional bowling prowess.
“Think there’s definitely a method to go about batting on this wicket. But Jasprit is a world class bowler and no doubt he’s going to challenge our whole batting group. He’s phenomenal with his lengths and lines, it is going to be tough on a wicket that will offer a fair bit for him,” he stated.
Webster commended the team’s bowling performance in restricting India below 200 on the helpful pitch.
“It was a pretty seamer-friendly track and most of the day the ball stayed pretty new with the grass coverage. It is not an abrasive square either. So, the plan was to bowl a little bit fuller and entice those front foot defences and front foot drives.
“Thought Scotty (Boland) was excellent, he’s been unbelievable since he came back into the team and saw why he’s a world class bowler. Thought all the bowlers were really good today to bowl them out for 200.”
He particularly praised Scott Boland‘s performance, emphasising his consistency and ability to extract movement from any surface.
“If there’s anything in the wicket he finds it and if there’s nothing in the wicket he still manages to find a way through,” the lanky Tasmanian said.
“He’s been fantastic this whole series when he’s got his chance, he’s relentless. I think it’s his line and length and his natural angle that makes it really hard for right-handers, but when we see him go round the wicket to left-handers it’s impressive stuff.”
Webster caught the great Virat Kohli at third slip and he found Boland’s bowling enjoyable.
“It’s great to watch from the third slip today, the amount of movement he gets and how accurate he is and how challenging he is for both left and right handers. He’s been superb, he can bowl long spells and back up the next day
“He’s a ripping bloke so everyone is stoked when he does well which seems to be all the time at the moment.”
The Tasmanian expressed satisfaction in representing his hometown, Snug, stating, “My phone has been blowing off with messages and calls. It is a proud moment especially since I come from a small place and it is nice to put it on the map.”
