Jasprit Bumrah, India Test vice-captain, defended the failing Indian squad in Australia in the ongoing BGT 2024, dismissing rumors of increased pressure on him, saying it's a team in transition and, given his experience, it's his "job" to shoulder extra responsibilities.

India conceded a massive first-innings total of 445 at the Gabba after making the obviously erroneous decision to bowl first in the third Test.

In response, the visitors were 51/4 on a rain-soaked third day, with issues raised about hitters' technique and bowling quality, with the exception of Bumrah.

"We don't, as a team, point fingers at each other and we don't want to get into that mindset where we are pointing fingers at each other that 'you should do this, you should do that’.

We, as a team, are going through a transition, new players are coming here and it's not the easiest place to play cricket. Over here, it's a different atmosphere with this wicket being a different challenge so yeah, we are not looking at that." Bumrah told the media at the end of day 3.

Jasprit Bumrah, who picked 6 wickets in the Australian innings, is the leading wicket-taker in the series with 18 scalps to his name.

" As a bowling unit, we are in transition. So, it’s my job to help others. I have played a little more than them. So, I am trying to help them. But again, everyone will learn through it and get better. This is the journey that every team will go through," he said.

Bumrah was also asked about his assessment of the Indian batting with a caveat about probably him not being the ideal judge.

“It’s interesting that you are questioning my batting ability. You should Google and see who has got the most number of runs in a Test (Bumrah was part of a 35-run heist off a Stuart Broad over at Birmingham in 2022). Jokes apart, that’s another story. We don’t as a team point fingers at each other. We as a team are going through a transition, a lot of new players are coming here (Australia) and it’s not the easiest place to play cricket,” he added.

Bumrah backed Mohammed Siraj to do well as the pacer has been slammed for his poor bowling in the series.

Bumrah stated: “When we were at Perth and in the last game (at Adelaide), he looked in very good spirits. He was bowling well and has picked up a few wickets. In this Test, we have to give him credit as he had a little niggle but still kept bowling because he knew if he goes inside, then the team will be under pressure. He has a great attitude and a fighter’s spirit.”

(PTI inputs)