India’s premier fast bowler, Jasprit Bumrah, keeps redefining the art of pace bowling with his outstanding performances in the ongoing Test series against England. During the course of the Headingley Test, Bumrah broke several old records, thereby cementing his own place in the pantheon of modern cricketing greats.
Goes Past Wasim Akram to Become The Leading Asian Wicket-Taker in SENA Countries
A landmark event took place on the second day of the Headingley Test when Bumrah left behind the legendary Pakistani pacer Wasim Akram to become the highest wicket-taking Asian bowler in SENA countries, namely South Africa, England, New Zealand, and Australia.
- He went on to capture his 147th Test wicket in these countries, surpassing a total of 146 by Akram.
- This record serves to emphasize Bumrah’s constant dominance in away conditions that have historically been dreadful ones for Asian bowlers.
First Asian Bowler to Get 150 Test Wickets in SENA
- Turning up the ante further, Bumrah, during the third day of the Headingley Test, became the first Asian bowler ever to take 150 Test wickets in SENA.
- Never before has any Asian pace bowler or spinner crossed this number.
- This speaks volumes about his ability to perform in these treacherous overseas conditions, which usually assist pace and swing.
12 Five-Wicket Hauls Abroad: Bumrah Matches Kapil Dev’s Feat at Unmatched Speed
- Bumrah also equaled 12 five-wicket hauls in foreign Test matches by Indian legend Kapil Dev.
- Remarkably, Bumrah achieved this feat in only 64 innings.
- The same number of five-wicket hauls outside India took Kapil Dev 108 innings.
- This highlights Bumrah’s rapid rise as one of India’s most effective and consistent overseas Test match-winners.
Also read: Bumrah Becomes 1st Asian to Reach This Milestone in Test Cricket and Equals Kapil Dev’s Record
Other Notable Feats
- Bumrah equalled R Ashwin’s record for the most five-wicket hauls (11) in World Test Championship history, reaching the milestone in only 67 innings, while Ashwin took 78 innings.
- Across his last 20 Tests (37 innings) since January 2022, Bumrah has taken 103 wickets at a strike rate that is the best ever recorded in any 20-match span, surpassing Waqar Younis’ mark of 32.46 for 133 wickets.
- With an average of 15.27 in these 20 Tests, Bumrah ranks second only to Imran Khan, who averaged 15.12 for 116 wickets between 1981 and 1985, among all Test fast bowlers over a 20-match stretch
The Proof of Bumrah’s Brilliance
Jasprit Bumrah’s latest records are not mere statistical landmarks; they serve to illustrate his unparalleled skill, adaptability, and mental fortitude. He has consistently delivered world-class performances in conditions that usually expose visiting bowlers, creating newer benchmarks for Asian fast bowlers. While the series is still ongoing, Bumrah looks set to reach even further milestones in an already illustrious career.
Written by RITESH SINGH
