Indian pace ace Jasprit Bumrah enjoyed a standout 2024, excelling across formats. With 30 wickets in four of the five Tests in the ongoing series in Australia, he has joined the ranks of elite fast bowlers. The 30-year-old now leads the chart for the best average among pacers with the most wickets in a calendar year across all formats.
The Indian vice-captain now boasts a superior average compared to Pakistan legend Waqar Younis, who took 96 wickets in 28 matches in 1990 at an average of 14.88 and a strike rate of 29.6. Other bowlers in the top 10 include Makhaya Ntini, Dale Steyn (twice), Waqar Younis (thrice), Allan Donald, and Pat Cummins.
In 2024, Bumrah claimed 86 wickets in 21 matches, with an average of 13.76 and a strike rate of 26.9. The top five also features Australia’s Mitchell Starc, who took 88 wickets in 30 matches in 2015 at an average of 21.04 and a strike rate of 33.5.
“The series could have been more dominant”- Glenn McGrath on Jasprit Bumrah’s impact in BGT 2024-25 series
The former Australia pacer praised Jasprit Bumrah’s outstanding bowling in the Border-Gavaskar Trophy, stating that his 30 wickets were crucial for the visitors in the five-match series. He shared his thoughts with reporters at a cancer awareness event (via Hindustan Times):
“He has been a massive part of the Indian team, and without him, the series might have been more one-sided, and what he does is special.”
“Bumrah to me is class, there’s no doubt about it. He’s unique. He has an action you wouldn’t teach a young guy, but he’s found a way to adapt it, and he’s just absolutely incredible.”
“The way he powers in those last few steps, powers through the crease. You know, he’s got a little bit of hyperextension, which I used to have as well, and, you know, he’s coping with that. And he’s just got incredible control both ways,” he added.
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