Jasprit Bumrah, India’s ace pacer, delivered a record-breaking performance in the ongoing first Test of the Border-Gavaskar Trophy at the Optus Stadium in Perth. Leading the team in the absence of Rohit Sharma, Bumrah showcased his exceptional skill and resilience, picking up a five-wicket haul to steer India into a commanding position. This historic feat added yet another milestone to his illustrious career, making him the first Indian pacer to take 50 wickets in a single edition of the World Test Championship (WTC).
The Match Scenario
The Border-Gavaskar Trophy opener began with high stakes as India faced a formidable Australian side. The Perth wicket, known for its pace and bounce, tested both teams. While Australia tried to assert dominance, Bumrah’s fiery spell tilted the balance in India’s favor. Taking on the mantle of captaincy, Bumrah led with determination and grit. His ability to inspire his teammates, combined with his tactical acumen, proved instrumental in keeping Australia on their toes.
The Five-Wicket Haul
Bumrah’s five-wicket haul was a masterclass in pace bowling. From troubling Australian openers to dismissing Alex Carey on the first ball of his Day 2 spell, Bumrah’s precision and aggression were unmatched. His ability to exploit the conditions effectively was the highlight of his performance.
Record-Breaking Achievements
By taking his 50th wicket in the ongoing WTC cycle, Bumrah became the first Indian pacer to achieve this milestone. Before him, only spinners Ravichandran Ashwin and Ravindra Jadeja had crossed this mark, highlighting Bumrah’s significance in India’s bowling attack.
Most Wickets in the WTC
Indian bowlers have dominated the WTC stages, with Ashwin leading the charts with multiple 50+ wicket cycles. Bumrah’s inclusion in this elite group cements his place as one of India’s finest pacers in the history of Test cricket.
Most wickets in one edition of WTC for India
- Ravichandran Ashwin (2019-21) – 71
- Ravichandran Ashwin (2023-25) – 62
- Ravichandran Ashwin (2021-23) – 61
- Ravindra Jadeja (2021-23) – 51
- Jasprit Bumrah (2023-25) – 50*
Bumrah’s Stellar 2024 Performance
2024 has been a dream year for Bumrah. With 61 wickets across formats, he leads the pack of bowlers globally. From T20 World Cup success to red-ball dominance, Bumrah has been the cornerstone of India’s bowling unit. Bumrah’s 46 Test wickets in 2024 place him at the top alongside Ashwin. Jadeja follows closely with 44 wickets, showcasing India’s formidable bowling depth.
Most wickets in 2024
- Jasprit Bumrah (India) – 61*
- Wanindu Hasaranga (Sri Lanka) – 60
- Adam Zampa (India) – 50
- Josh Hazlewood (Australia) – 48
- Alzarri Joseph (West Indies) – 48
Fierce Competition in WTC 2023-25
The ongoing WTC cycle has seen fierce competition among bowlers. With 50 wickets, Bumrah shares the spotlight with global stars like Josh Hazlewood and Pat Cummins, further elevating his stature.
Most wickets in WTC 2023-25
- Ravichandran Ashwin (India) – 61
- Josh Hazlewood (Australia) – 55
- Ravindra Jadeja (India) – 51
- Jasprit Bumrah (India) – 50*
- Pat Cummins (Australia) – 50
- Mitchell Starc (Australia) – 50
Bumrah’s eighth five-wicket haul in WTC matches equals Pat Cummins’ record. This achievement underscores his consistency and ability to deliver under pressure, especially on challenging wickets. Beyond his wicket-taking ability, Bumrah’s role as a mentor and leader has been invaluable. His guidance to younger bowlers and his work ethic set an example for the team.
Get the latest cricket news here, like us on Facebook, and follow us on Twitter and Instagram for more such updates.
