I Was Just Getting Bumrah'd; He's the Toughest Bowler I've Ever Faced: Khawaja

Australia opening batsman Usman Khawaja, who said that Jasprit Bumrah is the toughest fast bowler he has ever faced in the entire cricketing career, laughed and joked that he was simply getting 'Bumrah'd' throughout the Border-Gavaskar Trophy series.

Bumrah took 32 wickets in five matches at an average of 13.06 and a strike rate 28.37 to clinch Player of the Series award, though that wasn't enough in India avoiding a 3-1 series defeat.

"I was just getting Bumrah'd. It's a shame he was (injured) but thank god for us. Today would've been an absolute nightmare facing him on that wicket. As soon as we didn't see him out there we thought 'alright, we've got a chance here'. He's the toughest bowler I've ever faced," Khawaja said after the series ended in a six-wicket win for Australia at Sydney, speaking to ABC Sport.

He also spoke of batting with the young Sam Konstas. "I have never met anyone so arrogant but so endearing at the same time. He is a very lovable character. He has got this sense of being arrogant but saying it with a smile on his face."

Bumrah not bowling on day three's play due to a back spasm came as a relief for Australia, a view seconded by left-handed batter Travis Head in a chat with broadcasters. "I think there were 15 people really pleased that Bumrah didn't bowl today. He's a great performer, he had an exceptional tour."

Head, who made 34 not out and restored calm in Australia’s successful run chase of 162, talked about how his 46-run stand with Khawaja for the fourth wicket got him the feeling that they would reach home with ease.

It was nice to contribute. I don't get too caught up in the results of it. Two good teams, so I thought it would be great if I could come out and contribute. Same approach as always. Felt like I was moving well, so I knew that if I could build a partnership with Usman we'd be well placed.".

"The last series here they played exceptionally well, even in Perth they put us on the backfoot. Been a crazy five Tests, the guys that got through all five are probably looking forward to some time off. There's been a lot of media attention too.".

"Nitish too, I already knew how good he was. They have a lot of players that play well. We played extremely well too and stepped it up. I'm wrecked, I don't know what I'm going to do for the next 10 days. I'll look after myself and get prepared for Sri Lanka," he said.

All-rounder Beau Webster, who scored 57 and 39 not out on Test debut, besides claiming a wicket and taking two sharp catches at Sydney, described the fast-paced Test as one memorable game for the hosts'.

"It's been a hell of a game, couldn't have asked for much more. Great crowd, great atmosphere. I was counting down the runs, was pretty confident the whole chase. When it was down to four, I was going to try and flog it, it came off else I was going to leave it to Head.

A nice couple of weeks to be around the lads. To get a chance in the last one was a bit unexpected but it was great. Hell of a crowd, whole series has been well supported. Great support from everyone back home, been a hectic few days, thanks to everyone," said Webster.

Left-arm pacer Mitchell Starc said to ABC Sport that he's pretty sore after struggling with a back injury, and said he would take six days off before resuming to prepare for the tour of Sri Lanka, happening later this month.

Star's also set to commentate on games of Women's Ashes starting from January 12, when his wife Alyssa Healy will lead the Australian side. "It's taken a little bit of a toll. It's why we play Test cricket, push the needle as far as it'll go. I tried to take the handbrake off the other day and might have pushed it a little too far."