India’s Jasprit Bumrah is considered one of cricket’s best fast bowlers because of his unique “slingshot” action and ability to trouble even the top batters in the world. Overcoming serious back problems that almost ended his career, the 31-year-old made history on Wednesday by becoming India’s top Test wicket-taker in Australia, surpassing the legendary Kapil Dev.
In the third Test in Brisbane, Bumrah, who has been India’s star performer in the series, took nine wickets to break Kapil Dev’s record of 51 wickets in Australia, reaching 53 wickets. He was also named Player of the Match in India’s 295-run victory in the first Test at Perth, where he dominated with both pace and skill. Currently, he has 21 wickets in the series at an astonishing average of 10.90, making him the most successful bowler in the series so far. Australian pacers Pat Cummins and Mitchell Starc follow with 14 wickets each.
Former Australian captain Ricky Ponting praised Bumrah, calling him India’s greatest fast bowler.
“In T20, one-day cricket, and Test cricket, he is undoubtedly the best fast bowler right now,” said Ponting.
Australian batter Travis Head, who has scored two centuries and a half-century in the series, agreed and added:
“Jasprit will go down as one of the greatest fast bowlers in cricket history.”
In the first Test in Perth, where Bumrah captained in the absence of Rohit Sharma, he tormented the Australian batters on a bouncy pitch. He took 5-30 in 18 overs in the first innings, helping India dismiss Australia for just 104 runs. In the second innings, he added 3-42, leading India to a massive win.
Known for his deadly yorkers and unconventional front-on bowling action, Bumrah’s ability to release the ball late makes him a nightmare for batters. Australian pacer Josh Hazlewood described Bumrah’s approach as unique, saying it developed when Bumrah practiced in a small parking lot near his Ahmedabad home.
“If you haven’t faced him before, it can really unsettle you. His slingshot action makes him feel quicker than he looks,” Hazlewood said.
Bumrah’s success has not been without controversy. Some experts questioned the legality of his bowling action, but former Indian coach Greg Chappell dismissed these concerns, calling them “nonsense” and affirming that Bumrah’s action is completely clean.
After a severe back injury sidelined him for two years, Bumrah made a strong comeback last year. He played a crucial role in India’s T20 World Cup victory in Barbados, where his spell in the final helped India defend 30 runs in the last five overs against South Africa.
Bumrah’s brilliance was first noticed in the Indian Premier League (IPL), where he has been a key player for the Mumbai Indians for over a decade. Former New Zealand batsman John Wright scouted him from Gujarat, and Bumrah impressed everyone in his debut IPL game by dismissing Virat Kohli.
Australian batter Travis Head, who was dismissed by Bumrah in the Perth Test, praised the Indian pacer.
“It’s special to say you’ve faced Bumrah in your career. Someday, it will be a story to share with your grandchildren,” said Head.
