Bumrah’s incredible burst, Head’s injury concerns, Steve Smith’s weakness

Jasprit Bumrah has just passed the record for the best tour by an Asian bowler in Australia … with two Tests left. His spell headlines ROBERT CRADDOCK’s five big moments from Day 5.

Not for the first time this Test, rain had the biggest say at the Gabba on Wednesday – but not before Jasprit Bumrah gave Australia plenty to think about ahead of the Boxing Day Test.

The Indian superstar triggered a stunning Australian collapse, which set up an unlikely target of 275 before play was called mid-afternoon as the rain set in.

BUMRAH’S BURST

The magical Jasprit Bumrah is averaging 10.9 runs per Australian wicket this series – that is absurd.

By the end of this series the stats will insist we label him the most dangerous visiting bowler ever to visit our shores.

There he was again, causing havoc in Australia’s second innings with Usman Khawaja being bowled through the gate and Marnus Labuschagne chasing a widish one.

In this Test he became the most successful Asian bowler to tour Australia, eclipsing illustrious Indian legend Kapil Dev.

This man is a force of nature. He could be the greatest of all time.

Usman Khawaja is clean bowled by Jasprit Bumrah

COP THAT

Akash Deep caused a sensation when he opened his shoulders and swung like an axeman to hoist Pat Cummins into the grandstand just before the clouds closed in on Tuesday.

So how satisfying would it have been for Cummins to play the same shot against the same player the following day, launching into the same part of the grandstand at the opposite end of the field 86 metres away with arguably the sweetest timed shot of his career.

Cummins hits a big six

HEAD OFF

While fellow top order members looked as if they were stuck in the mud, Travis Head looked blissfully unburdened during his 17 off 19 balls.

Travis Head struggles

But the sight of him being restricted by what looked like pain in his upper leg – and subsequently failing to field – sent a shudder through the hearts the fans. With four players out of form in the top order and Head possibly battling injury, Australia is facing a huge Boxing Day challenge.

THE BIG CALL

Pat Cummins knew there was rain coming but good on him for livening up a dull Test.

The intent of Australia’s second innings, when they rattled to 7-89 before a declaration, was good to see.

The whole thing was a bit weird though.

It did not look as if the top three were putting their collective feet to the floor. The cannon fire started soon enough but Australia’s plan took a while to get going.

Marnus Labuschagne's dismissal in Brisbane

NOT AGAIN

India’s plan to bowl straight to Steve Smith does not always work – but it occasionally gets unexpected rewards.

Smith gone down the leg side, again

For the second time in the series Smith was caught down the leg-side by Rishabh Pant.

Batsmen always feel unlucky when they have their pockets picked in such a way – but twice in three Tests says there is a bit of thimble and pea trick involved here.

Originally published as Bumrah’s incredible burst, Head’s injury concerns, Steve Smith’s weakness