Steve Smith addresses the looming challenge of facing Jasprit Bumrah in upcoming Border-Gavaskar Trophy, remains unfazed

New Delhi: Australian cricketer Steve Smith has praised Jasprit Bumrah as one of the best fast bowlers across all formats, ahead of the upcoming Border-Gavaskar Trophy. The eagerly anticipated five-Test series between India and Australia is set to kick off in Perth on November 22. With India having triumphed in the past two series Down Under, all eyes will be on Bumrah's exceptional bowling skills for a possible three-peat victory for India in Australia.

“He’s a wonderful bowler, whether I face him with the new ball, slightly older ball, or even the old ball. He’s got great skills with all of them. He’s a great bowler, arguably the best fast bowler across the three formats. It’s always going to be a challenge,” Smith told Star Sports.

The 35-year-old has been opening for Australia in the past couple of series and is expected to do the same against India. Smith, a veteran of 109 Tests, is likely to cross the 10,000-run milestone in the high-profile series, having so far made 9685 runs. Bumrah, on the other hand, has done remarkably well since making his Test debut in January 2018, taking 164 wickets in 37 games at an average of 20.51.