India's bowling spearhead Jasprit Bumrah had Usman Khawaja's number throughout the five-Test Border Gavaskar Trophy (BGT) series, and the Australian opening batter acknowledged him as the most challenging bowler he has encountered inhis cricket career.
"I was just getting Bumrah'd," Khawaja told ABC Sport. "It's a shame he was (injured) but thank god for us. Today would've been an absolute nightmare facing him on that wicket."
Australia chased 162 to win on the third day at the Sydney Cricket Ground and were relieved to see Bumrah missing from India's attack due to back spasms.
"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," said Khawaja on ABC Sport after the match.
Bumrah's 32 wickets earned him the 'Player of the Series' award despite India losing the BGT 1-3 after their six-wicket defeat in the fifth and deciding Test in Sydney on Sunday. Bumrah averaged a staggering 13.06 and had a strike rate of 28.37.
Khawaja also talked about batting alongside teenager Sam Konstas, who had continuous run-ins with Indian players in the last two Tests of the series, particularly Bumrah.
"I've never met anyone so arrogant but so endearing at the same time. He's a very lovable character. He's got this sense of being arrogant but saying it with a smile on his face," said Khawaja.
Travis Head (34*), who shared a 46-run stand with Khawaja also expressed relief that his team didn't have to face up to Bumrah in their run-chase.
“I think there were 15 people really pleased that Bumrah didn’t bowl today. He’s a great performer, he had an exceptional tour,” said Head, who ended as the top run-getter of the series with 448 runs.
“Nice to contribute, I don’t worry about the results too much. Two great teams, felt like it would be nice if I could come out and contribute. Same approach as always, felt like I was moving well, knew that if I could build a partnership with Usman we would be well placed," he added.
