Australian swift-riser Marnus Labuschagne has said that Jasprit Bumrah is the hardest bowler in the Indian team.

Labuschagne, who only played one Test against India so far, is confident of “staying a step ahead” of the world-class attack. They are scheduled to meet for December, but the COVID-19 development is yet to allow both federations to announce plans for the series.

Although he noted that Bumrah is hard to get past, Labuschagne, who is still a rookie, is eagerly awaiting the four-match series in December.

It is expected that this will new acid test for the rookie, a rising fast bowler.

Speaking of the Indian bowlers in an exclusive interview from Brisbane, the 26-year-old admitted that all India bowlers are good bowlers, but Bumrah is hard to get past.

He said the number two best bowler in the world could consistently bowl around 140 kmph and swing the ball in suitable conditions, as he can angle it back in at the stumps.

Bumrah averages above 63 after 14 Tests with four hundred and seven half-centuries in his record.

The Australian is, therefore, waiting to test himself against the best.

While noting that Bumrah is probably the leader of that attack, the 26-year-old, who plays domestic cricket for the Queensland cricket team also said that Ishant Sharma had been a phenomenal player in the last two years.

Labuschagne further stated that the second season is usually tough for any player because the opposition would have studied the player’s game. Therefore, he is hoping to be better in the second year against a top side like India.

The Australian, who also played county cricket for Glamorgan and the Big Bash League for the Brisbane Heat, played a few ODIs against India and a Test match during the last series. He added that he wouldn’t be short of confidence during the December-January series.

He said that he wants to ensure that he will be one step ahead once India bowlers come at him.

Written by: Oladipupo Mojeed