India’s premier fast bowler, Jasprit Bumrah, has been crowned the ICC Men’s Test Cricketer of the Year for 2024.
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- Bumrah’s exceptional year saw him take an impressive 71 wickets in 13 matches, bowling 357 overs at an average of 14.92.
- This achievement places him among Indian legends, making him only the fourth Indian bowler to take over 70 Test wickets in a calendar year, joining the ranks of:
- Ravichandran Ashwin
- Anil Kumble
- Kapil Dev
Bumrah edged out competition from Sri Lanka’s Kamindu Mendis and England’s batting stars Harry Brook and Joe Root to clinch this prestigious honor.
Stellar Performances Throughout the Year
Bumrah excelled in both home and away conditions, contributing significantly to India’s quest for a spot in the 2025 World Test Championship Final, although the team narrowly missed out on qualification.
Memorable Highlights:
- January 2024: India’s Test win against South Africa in Cape Town, where Bumrah took eight wickets.
- England Series: A staggering 19 wickets during India’s 4-1 series victory, including a nine-wicket haul in Visakhapatnam that helped secure a series-levelling win.
- Australia Tour (Border-Gavaskar Trophy):
- 32 wickets in five matches at an average of 13.06 and a strike rate of 28.37, earning him the Player of the Series award.
- Crossed the 200 Test wickets milestone, becoming the 12th Indian bowler to achieve this feat.
Record-Breaking Moments in Australia
- Bumrah’s standout performance came in Perth, where he picked up eight wickets, including a five-wicket haul in the first innings, leading India to a 295-run win.
- He set a unique record, becoming the only bowler in Test history with at least 200 dismissals to maintain a bowling average under 20 (19.4).
Recognition of Excellence
At 31 years old, Bumrah’s achievements have firmly established him as one of the all-time greats of Indian cricket, ensuring his place in the history books alongside the sport’s finest.
