India’s fast-bowling ace Jasprit Bumrah has reached another milestone in his stellar career, becoming the sixth Indian fast-bowler to claim 200 wickets in men’s Test cricket. Bumrah achieved the feat during the Boxing Day Test against Australia, dismissing Travis Head for one with a sharp delivery flicked to mid-wicket. He celebrated the landmark with both arms raised in delight.
Bumrah’s achievement stands out not only for the milestone itself but also for his exceptional bowling average of 19.56, the best-ever for any bowler reaching 200 Test wickets. This surpasses the previous record held by West Indies legend Joel Garner, who reached the milestone with an average of 20.34.
A Rapid Rise in Test Cricket
Bumrah, who debuted in Test cricket in 2018, is the fastest Indian pacer to achieve the 200-wicket mark, accomplishing it in just 44 matches. Among all Indian bowlers, only Ravichandran Ashwin (37 matches) has achieved the milestone faster. Bumrah now shares the second-fastest position with Ravindra Jadeja, who also reached the mark in 44 Tests.
For Indian fast-bowlers, Bumrah outpaced the legendary Kapil Dev, who reached 200 wickets in 50 matches. Globally, Pakistan spinner Yasir Shah holds the record for the fastest to 200 Test wickets, achieving it in 33 matches.
A Remarkable Feat in Efficiency
In terms of balls bowled, Bumrah ranks as the fourth-quickest in history to reach the 200-wicket milestone, having delivered just 8,484 balls. He follows Pakistan’s Waqar Younis (7,725), and South Africa’s Dale Steyn (7,848) and Kagiso Rabada (8,153).
Decisive Performance Against Australia
Bumrah didn’t stop at his milestone. In a fiery spell, he also dismissed Mitchell Marsh and Alex Carey within 10 deliveries, leaving Australia reeling in their second innings. His impact proved crucial in the ongoing Test.
Praise from Cricketing Legends
The cricketing world showered accolades on Bumrah for his incredible performance. Former India head coach Ravi Shastri tweeted:
“200 sticks at 19.56. Unreal. What a bowler. Mind-boggling stuff. Well done Boom Boom.”
Former England captain Michael Vaughan echoed the sentiment, saying:
“The Greatest of all time is doing what he does best here at the ‘G’. @Jaspritbumrah93 is incredible.”
Bumrah’s exceptional talent and ability to deliver in crucial moments continue to solidify his status as one of the finest fast bowlers in cricket history.
