Kohli: Wouldn't want to face Bumrah on Perth-like pitch

Virat Kohli said he was impressed with the composure shown by debutante Mayank Agarwal while hailing Jasprit Bumrah as the best fast bowler in the world at the moment.

Making his Test debut after first-choice openers K L Rahul and M Vijay managed 48 and 49 runs from the first four innings of the first two Tests, Agarwal struck a fine half-century (76) that helped India get a good start and build a substantial on it. In the second innings, which India declared at 106/8, he was the top scorer with 42.

Bumrah, who produced best bowling figures (9/86) for an Indian fast bowler in a Test Down Under, was the main architect of India’s series-defining win that has put them 2-1 ahead with a Test to go. Bumrah is also the highest wicket-taker in the series with 20 sticks from three matches.

“Mayank’s composure, intent and belief, was a huge boost for us because of the way he batted at the top of the order on the first day,” said Kohli of the Karnataka opener. “It has to be praised because it is not easy to come to Australia and start like that and starting against such a bowling attack. He should also get a lot of credit for the win. His contribution was special.”

Kohli was effusive in his praise of Bumrah. “Jasprit has only been playing for 12 months. He obviously is the best bowler in the world, as per me. He is a match winner, without doubt. The way he has matured in Test cricket and the areas he has bowled so quickly in his Test career, I think it’s a scary sign for the batsmen around the world in Test cricket. I mean if there is a pitch like Perth (where the second Test was played), I wouldn’t want to face Jasprit Bumrah to be honest because if he gets on a roll, he can really crank it up and the way he bowls is so much more different to anyone. I think he realises that more than the batsmen and that’s why he is so confident about his skills,” he observed.