There was a time when India didn’t have the pace resources to fight fire with sustained fire in foreign lands. Now, they have Jasprit Bumrah, and a host of support personnel, to give back as good as they get. Bumrah is regarded as the best all-format bowler going in world cricket, and he reiterated why with a fabulous burst of fast bowling at the Optus Stadium on Friday, the opening day of India’s first Test against Australia.

Standing in for Rohit Sharma, the temporary skipper spearheaded a wonderful fightback after his batters had disappointed in folding up for 150, taking 4-17 in 10 hostile overs to leave the hosts gasping at 67-7 at the conclusion of an absorbing day’s play.