Looks like the Australian hangover over Jasprit Bumrah has not come to an end even after Border-Gavaskar action bet??ween the two nations reached its climax in Sydney. The Australian analysts and broadcasters still can’t get over the terror which Indian pace maestro Bumrah inflicted in the hearts of Aussie batters and those watching him.

Mark Waugh highlights striking similarity between Jasprit Bumrah and Lockie Ferguson’s action

A rather hilarious incident occurred in the Big Bash League (BBL) 2024-25 which shows Bumrah’s shadows are still scaring Aussies. During a BBL match between Brisbane Heat and Sydney Thunder at The Gabba, an unconventional ball from Lockie Ferguson caught Heat batter?s by surprise.

However, Australian former cricketer Mark Waugh who was in the commentary panel couldn’t let go off the delivery easily and immediately pointed out the similarity between Ferguson’s slight limp in run-up before bowling the delivery with Bumrah’s? run-up.

Ferguson has managed to astonish the batters in BBL this season with this move by taking the pace off the run-up and outsmarting the batters as they wrongly anticipate the speed of the incoming delivery. Ferguson bowled a marquee spell as Thunder clashed with Heat in the 25th clash of the season. He also made highlights in the same match by bowling a sensational delivery to take the bails off Jack Wood’s off-stump to send the Heat opener back to the pavili??on on just 2 runs.

Also Read: Twitter reactions: Max Bryant sizzles in Br?isbane Heat’s tremendous?? win over Sydney Thunder in BBL 2024-25

Here’s the video

"I thought it was Jasprit Bumrah halfway through the run up!&qu??ot;

Lockie Ferguson's run up has got to @juniorwaugh349 😂 #BBL14 pic.twitter.com/92jc20hc4B

— KFC Big Bash League (@BBL) January 6, 2025

Ferguson impressed with the bowl so far in BBL|14

The 33-year-old pacer has been one of the highlights of Thunders�pace attack this season with 8 wickets in 6 matches so far. More importantly, Ferguson has managed to keep his economy rate at a remarkable 7.16 which makes him one of the most efficient bowlers in the season so far. Ferguson had earlier also featured in the Indian Premier League (IPL) playing for teams like Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) and Gujarat Titans (GT). The New Zealand international played for Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) in the previous season. Ahead of t??he IPL auction the ?franchise decided to release him.

Also Read: Tim David’s fireworks against Adelaide Strikers hand Hobart Hurricanes their 4th consecutive win?? in BBL 2024-??25

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On Day 3 of the fourth Test between Australia and India at the Melbourne Cricket Ground (MCG), Indian wicketkeeper-batter Rishabh Pant’s dismissal, after playing an unconventional shot, sparked a heated debate among commentators. The shot, which saw Pant caught at third man, became the subject of criticism from former Australian cricketer Mark Waugh, while Michael Hussey defended Pant’s aggressive approach.

Mark Waugh criticizes Rishabh Pant’s shot selection

In the 56th over of India’s first innings, Scott Boland, bowling round the wicket, delivered a full ball outside off stump. Pant, attempting a lap or scoop shot, misjudged the delivery and top-edged it to third man. Australian fielder Nathan Lyon, positioned at third man, had little trouble in taking the catch. Pantâ€?™s unusual?? dismissal left fans and commentators puzzled, with many questioning his shot selection at such a crucial juncture of the innings.

Waugh criticized Pant’s shot, stating it was poor timing when India needed him to build an innings. While acknowledging Pant’s aggressive style, Waugh emphasized the importance of having boundaries and restraint in shot selection, suggesting that players should prioritize smart decisions with favorable percentages.

â€?em>That’s an awful shot when his team needed him to make an innings. I get it he’s an aggressive player and I want to see him be aggressive but you’ve still got to have some boundaries with the shots you play. There’s got to be a level of restraint and percentages in your favour and that shot falling down,” Waugh said on Fox Sports

Also READ: First time in 147 years: Nitish Kumar R??eddy and Washington Sundar script historic record in MCG Test �AUS vs IND

Michael Hussey defends Pant’s natural game 

Hussey acknowledged that Pant’s shot was not ideal, especially for an Indian team fighting hard, but emphasized that it’s important not to doubt Pant’s natural aggressive style. While he expressed disappointment with the shot, Hussey believed Pant should continue playing in his free and clear manner, without changing his approach.

“It is a difficult situation because it’s not a great shot and it’s not a great look, especially for an Indian team looking to fight hard. But you don’t want to put doubt in his mind, he’s at his best when he’s clear and free and playing his natural way. I’d be disappointed with the shot, I’m sure he’d be disappointed with the shot but I don’t want him to change the way he plays,” Hussey responded

Waugh’s sarcastic reply to Hussey

Waugh, never one to shy away from playful banter, responded to Hussey’s defense with a sarcastic quip. He said: “That’s why you’re not head coach, just assistant coach.”

Hussey, who ?was part of England’s coaching staff during their victorious 2022 T20 World Cup campaign, found himself at the receiving end of Waugh’s witty remark, adding a touch of humor to the otherwise serious discussion.

Also WATCH: Sunil Gavaskar brutally slams Rishabh Pant over his reckless dismissal on Day 3 of the MCG Test | A??US vs IND

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The 4th Test of the ongoing Border-Gavaskar Trophy has brought a unique set off surprises on the pitch from both teams. For the home side, a young debutant Sam Konstas stole the first day highlights after a thundering knock against elite bowlers like Jasprit Bumrah and Mohammad Siraj. For the Indian team, perhaps nothing was more astonishing than the exclusion of young batting sensation, Shubman Gill who was replaced by Washington Sundar.

Mark Waugh hits out at the Indian team management for dumping Shubman Gill

While many fans and cricket legends have questioned axing Gill’s name from the squad, former Australian cricketer and commentator, Mark Waugh had his own set of interesting take on the? whole situation.

Seemingly astonished at the decision, the 59-year-old commentator said the following, “When Shubman Gill hurt his finger, they were desperate to bring him in, and now they have booted him out, and wanted an extra bowling option. Washington Sundar and Nitish Kumar Reddy both can bowl and obviously Gill can’t.”

Gill had earlier fractured his thumb, ahead of the first Test match in Perth due to which he was ruled out from the team for the opening game. The top-order batter returned to the squad for the day-night clash against the Aussies in the second Test at Adelaide, but failed to leave a mark on the match. The 25-year-old was given another chance in the third Test at the Gabba but his batting woes continued. Consequently, Gill was left out for the Boxing Day Test, particularly after he hurt his thumb once again during a net practice session ahead of the 4th Test at Melbourne.

Also Read: AUS vs IND: Here’s why Shubman Gill not playin?g Boxing Day Test match against Australia

Gill’s current form for India

It has been a silent season with the bat for the young batting sensation. The youngster has scored just 368 runs in the 2024-25 season, a major drop in his batting performance from last season in which he scored 526 runs with an average of 43.83. The batting average for Gill in Tests has gone down to 35.76 without a significant knock from the youngster outside India. His batting performances in the SENA countries, i.e. in South Africa, England, Australia and New Zealand has been parti?cularly worrying. Gill has an average of 39.87 in Australia, 14.66 in England and 18.50 in South Africa, quickly earning him a reputation of a batter suitable only for South Asian conditions.

Also Read: “I’m single. Make it happen� T??his South Ind??ian actress eager to date Shubman Gill

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Pakistan cricketer Abdullah Shafique found himself under intense scrutiny following a lackluster fielding performance in the ongoing second Test of their tour to Australia. The 24-year-old’s blunder particularly glared as he dropped a crucial catch of Australian all-rounder Mitchell Marsh during the second innings. Shafique’s mishap occurred in the first slip, further magnifying the impact of the missed opportunity. Adding to the moment’s weight, Aussie cricket legend Mark Waugh, who was in the commentary box, couldn’t resist himself from delivering a sarcastic jibe aimed at Shafique.

Abdullah Shafique drops a sitter

Although Pakistan initially asserted control, claiming four Australian wickets for a mere 16 runs in the second innings, the momentum took a pivotal turn as Marsh, renowned for his counter-attacking approach, sought to relieve the pressure imposed by the pacers. In an attempt to execute a cover drive against a fuller delivery from Aamer Jamal, the right-handed batter’s shot produced an outside edge.

While the catch opportunity appeared routine, Shafique’s unexpected fumble left his teammates and bowler Jamal in disbelief, resulting in the missed chance to secure a crucial wicket for Pakistan.

"It's like a crocodile jaw trying to catch a ball."

Abdullah Shafique hands Mitch Marsh a life on 20 #AUSvPAK pic.twitter.com/NMlTKHn3t5

— cricket.com.au (@cricketcomau) December 28, 2023

Also WATCH: David Warner bids farewell to MCG; gifts his batting gloves to a?? young fan �AUS vs PAK, 2nd Test

Mark Waugh’s remarks

Present at the commentary box during the incident, Waugh candidly critiqued Shafique’s slip-catching technique. The former expressed his lack of confidence, stating that he wouldn’t be at ease relying on the right-handed batter and humorously likened the situation to being a seagull on a hot chip. He playfully suggested that, at that moment, Shafique seemed more like a backstop than a reliable slip fielder.

“Like a crocodile jaw trying to take a catch. Get him out of there. I wouldn’t be relaxed if I was relying on Shafique! I would be like a seagull on a hot chip! There is one bloke, you wouldn’t be relaxing standing next to. Sorry Shafique! At this moment he is a back-stop,” Waugh said.

Also READ: Australia dressing ro??om picture surfaces; R Ashwin and two other India players feature as best spin all-??rounders

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As Australian opener David Warner prepares to bid farewell to red-ball cricket following the upcoming Test series against Pakistan, cricket pundits are speculating about the player who could fill the void left by Warner’s departure. Legendary cricketer Mark Waugh has weighed in on the matter, singling out a pro??mising candidate for the role.

David Warner’s departure sets the stage for a new opener

The three-match Test series against Pakistan, beginning on December 14 in Perth, marks the conclusion of Warner’s illustrious red-ball cricket journey. With Warner’s exit, Australia is in search of a fitting replacement, and Waugh has shared his insights on who could step into the shoes of the prolific opener.

Star all-rounder emerges as Mark Waugh’s choice

Waugh has suggested a departure from the conventional choices of specialist openers, such as Marcus Harris, Cameron Bancroft, and Matthew Renshaw. Instead, Waugh advocated for Cameron Green, currently occupying a middle-order position, to open alongside Usman Khawaja for the Australian Test team.

Waugh acknowledged the dilemma faced by the selectors in choosing Warner’s successor. While Bancroft, Harris, and Renshaw have all presented strong cases, Waugh believed that Green’s all-around skills make him a standout choice. Despite Green losing his spot to Mitchell Marsh m?idway through the Ashes tour, Waugh sees the young talent as a ?valuable asset for the team.

“That’s the million dollar question. Who’s going to be opening the batting with Usman Khawaja? And he’s probably not going to be around that long either. But assuming he’s still there, I guess there’s the choice of Bancroft, Harris or Renshaw, they’re the three that I guess you think of foremost. And probably Bancroft has had the best form in the last 12 to 15 months at first class level. But I’m not sure the selectors are totally sold on all or any of those. I just think that they may be looking elsewhere. That person should be Green, who lost his spot to Marsh midway through the Ashes tour,” said Waugh on Fox Cricket.

Also READ: Michae??l Vaughan i??dentifies a player as a potential replacement for David Warner in Tests �AUS vs PAK

A multi-faceted talent

According to Waugh, Green’s inclusion as an opener could provide a Shane Watson-like dynamic to the team. Green’s ability to bowl quality overs, his prowess as a fielder, and his promising batting technique make him an attractive option. Despite Green batting at six in the lineup, Waugh sees the potential for success in elevating him to an opening position.

Expressing his strong preference for Green, Waugh emphasizes the balance and ve?rsatility the young cricketer brings to the team. While Marsh has solidified his position in the lineup, Waugh suggests a reshuffling that includes Green as the new opening partner for Khawaja.

“There’s not a lot of other options available, but I’d be seriously thinking of getting Cameron Green in to open the batting. I want him in the team, because he just offers so much. He gives great balance because he bowls ten to 15 good hours, he’s a great fieldsman and I think his batting, he hasn’t quite nailed it yet, but when I (have) seen him, he’s got a good technique and he plays fast bowling well,” explained Waugh.

“And he’s batted at six so far and often you get the second new ball at six, so â€?I just think it could be a bit of a Shane Watson-type situation, so I’d seriously be looking at him, because I want him in the team. At the moment Mitch Marsh has obviously nailed that spot that he was in, so that’d be the way I’d possibly go,” Waugh added further.

Also READ: Proteas legend AB de Villiers gives his v?erdict on David Warner-Mitchell Johnson saga

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During the first two tests of the Border Gavaskar Trophy (BGT) 2023, Mark Waugh stirred up a controversy as he indulged in a verbal spat with fellow commentators Ravi Shashtri and Dinesh Karthik. It is believed that following the on-air dispute, the Board of Cricket Control in India (BCCI) decided not to extend Waugh’s contract for the remaining two Tests and replaced him with Mitchell Johnson.

Notably, in the first two matches, Waugh was very critical of Virat Kohli’s slip fielding a??s the India maestro dropped a few catches during those games.

In the opening match of the BGT 2023, the former India captain failed to grab a chance to dismiss Steve Smith in the first innings and then went on to put down the likes of David Warner and Peter Handscomb in the second innings. Waugh didn’t seem to like Kohli’s approach and criticized t??he la??tter heavily.

“Fielding at slip off the spinners, you got to judge the depth you want to stand. I felt that the catch that Kohli put down, he was rushed into taking the catch. I think there are a few technical things that Kohli can work on. I think his feet are too wide apart. His weight is often on the back of heels rather than on his feet. Sometimes, he looks like he is not expecting the ball. He has got to be expecting the ball every single delivery,” said Waugh while commentating.

Fans weren’t thrilled about the remarks made by the veteran Aussie cricketer, which resulted in a huge backlash from cricket enthusiasts. However, the 57-year-old former opener has now clarified that he w??asn’t targeting Kohli for his batting but rather his catching in slips.

Waugh further admitted that he is surprised by the fact that Kohli hasn’t scored a century in 39 innings, but at the same time, he also appreciated the 34-year-old batter’s 44-run knock in Delhi.

“I wasn’t sledging his batting. I was sledging his catching, which he did improve actually. He worked hard on it. But I cannot believe that Virat Kohli hasn’t scored a century in 39 innings, The way he has batted and even his catching it shows that he has felt the pressure, no doubt about it. He is a great player so he is not used to not scoring runs but I did feel like that in Delhi he was getting back to his best,” said Waugh on Fox Cricket.

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Australian cricket legend Mark Waugh has picked five players he would select in his World T20I team. Not many days ago, Waugh’s former teammate Ricky Ponting had also revealed his choices for the same. Now Waugh has also joine?d the list of former greats choosing first five players in their World T20I XI.

Notably, after his retirement, Waugh is associated with the game, as he is an active broadcaster for Fox Cricket. Speaking on the latest episode of The ICC Review, the Ca??nterbury-born cricketer went with two world-class pacers, one spinner, one all-rounder and a top-order batter.

The first on the list of Waugh’s top five T20 cricketers was India’s frontline speedster Jasprit Bumrah. The Aussie termed Bumrah as the all-format bowler and reckoned the Indian superstar will fire at the upcoming T20 World Cup 2022 in Australia.

“I think he’s a fantastic bowler in all formats, actually. His ability to get wickets in T20 cricket is key. He can bowl at the death and he can bowl up front,â€?/em> said Waugh.