IND vs AUS: "It Will Be A Challenge" - Steve Smith on Facing Best All-Format Fast Bowler Jasprit Bumrah

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Australia batter Steve Smith has said facing Jasprit Bumrah is a challenge, labelling the Indian pace spearhead as the best fast bowler across the three formats as the build continued for the much-anticipated Border Gavaskar Trophy.

As part of the race to seal a spot in the World Test Championship (WTC) final 2025 at Lord's in London, pace-setters India will travel Down Under to face Australia in five Test matches, starting with the series opener at the Perth Stadium in Perth from November 22.

Ahead of the India vs Australia Test series, Star Sports has launched #ToughestRivalry contest in which players preview the Border Gavaskar Trophy and talk about the challenges.

In the latest clip released by the broadcaster, Smith shared his thoughts on playing against Bumrah and facing him on the field in an exclusive interaction with Star Sports. The former Australian echoed the comments of another ex skipper as he labelled Bumrah the best.

"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 said.

In 37 Tests, Bumrah has claimed 164 wickets at an average of 20.51 with the best of 6/27. Against Australia, the Indian pacer has claimed 32 wickets in 14 innings with the best of 6/33. All his appearances against Australia in red ball have come on Australian soil.

Bumrah, however, has dismissed Smith only once in Test cricket in five innings they have faced off. Smith, meanwhile, has scored 52 runs off 114 balls against the India quick in the red ball format.

Earlier, speaking at ICC Review, Ponting had said Bumrah is currently the best pacer in the world. He also added that earlier there was some fear with Bumrah due to his injury but the Indian pacer has come back in a better way.

"I've said it for a long time, he's probably been the best multi-format bowler there's been in world cricket for the last five or six years. There might have been some fears a couple of years ago when the injuries come in and 'would he come back the same?', but I think he's actually come back better," Ponting was quoted by ICC as saying.

The most awaited Border-Gavaskar series between India and Australia will begin on November 22, while the second Test is scheduled for December 6 to 10 at Adelaide Oval, featuring the exciting day-night format under the stadium's lights.

After that, fans will turn their attention to The Gabba in Brisbane for the third Test, which will be held from December 14 to 18. The customary Boxing Day Test, set for December 26 to 30 at Melbourne's storied Melbourne Cricket Ground, will bring the series to its penultimate stage.

The fifth and final Test, to take place at the Sydney Cricket Ground from January 3 to 7, will serve as the series climax, promising a dramatic conclusion to an exciting contest.