Bumrah Completes Greatest Show by an Indian Seamer in Tests
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India, a nation with a rich history of relying on its batting legends, has often gauged its cricketing success by the runs scored. However, during the Border-Gavaskar Trophy, the team was fortunate to have a player who embodied their aspirations with his exceptional bowling. Jasprit Bumrah delivered a remarkable performance, claiming 32 wickets and earning the player of the series accolade for his outstanding contributions, which were pivotal in preventing the series from becoming overwhelmingly one-sided.
Bumrah's skill, consistency, and impact as a pace bowler are unprecedented in Indian cricket history, prompting discussions about whether his performance in this series represents the pinnacle of achievement for an Indian fast bowler in Test matches.
The statistics support this assertion: over the course of five matches, Bumrah's 32 wickets placed him at the forefront among bowlers from both teams. The only other instance of an Indian fast bowler taking more than 30 wickets in a single series occurred in the 1979-80 season, when Kapil Dev achieved the same feat against Pakistan in a home series, albeit over six matches. In contrast, Bumrah accomplished this in just nine innings.
Furthermore, Bumrah's average during the series was exceptional. With an average of 13.06, only one Indian pacer, Irfan Pathan, has recorded a better average while taking 20 wickets in a series, which he achieved against Zimbabwe in 2005 over two matches. While Pathan's performance was commendable, facing Australia presents a significantly greater challenge. Bumrah's ability to achieve such remarkable figures against some of the world's finest batsmen throughout a demanding five-match series underscores his dominance during this period.
An all-format, all-phase wicket-taker
For India, it is typically the spinners who excel in dominating opposing batters, regardless of the venue. Over the past decade of India's cricketing success, Ravichandran Ashwin has often been the pivotal figure in this role. However, following Ashwin's retirement, Jasprit Bumrah has remarkably stepped up to lead the bowling attack.
Whether with the new ball, breaking crucial partnerships, or dismantling Australia’s lower-middle order, Bumrah has consistently performed at an exceptional level throughout the series. Notably, even fans from the opposing team have expressed admiration for Bumrah, acknowledging that they were witnessing a unique talent capable of altering the course of a match with a rapid succession of wickets.
While Indian fast bowlers have had memorable performances in Australia and other international venues in the past, Bumrah's ability to deliver such performances repeatedly within a short span, precisely when the team required it, underscores his exceptional contribution.
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