AUS vs IND: Jasprit Bumrah joins Kapil Dev in elite list with 50 Test wickets this year

India’s premier pacer Jasprit Bumrah has achieved a remarkable feat by becoming the first bowler to bag 50 Test wickets in the 2024 season. Bumrah reached this milestone during the ongoing Adelaide day-night Test against Australia, dismissing opener Usman Khawaja for India’s first breakthrough on Day 1. This accomplishment cements Bumrah’s status as one of the finest pacers in Indian cricket history.

Bumrah now joins the elite company of Kapil Dev and Zaheer Khan as the third Indian pacer to claim 50 Test wickets in a calendar year. His performance across 11 matches in 2024 has been exceptional, with a phenomenal average of 15.14 and an economy rate of just 3.00. These numbers underscore his consistency and impact on the game, making him an indispensable asset in India’s bowling attack.

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The ongoing Border-Gavaskar Trophy has seen Bumrah at his lethal best. His standout performance came in the Perth Test, where he registered figures of 5/30 in the first innings, part of an eight-wicket haul across both innings. His ability to extract movement and maintain relentless accuracy has troubled even the best Australian batters, giving India a fighting chance in challenging conditions.

On Day 1 in Adelaide, Bumrah once again proved his mettle by dismissing Khawaja early, providing India with a much-needed boost after a disappointing batting display. India had posted a modest 180 in the first innings, thanks largely to Nitish Kumar Reddy’s resilient knock down the order. The pressure to make a strong comeback now rests heavily on the shoulders of the bowling unit, with Bumrah leading the charge.

Bumrah’s feat is a testament to his adaptability and relentless pursuit of excellence in all conditions. Whether it’s the pace-friendly surfaces of Australia or the more spin-friendly tracks in Asia, he continues to deliver match-winning performances.

As the Adelaide Test unfolds, India will rely on Bumrah’s brilliance to spark a turnaround and keep their Border-Gavaskar Trophy hopes alive. His achievement of 50 wickets in a season is not just a personal milestone but a rallying point for India’s aspirations in this crucial Test series.