Jasprit Bumrah has achieved another remarkable milestone in his career, surpassing the legendary Kapil Dev to become the Indian bowler with the most Test wickets in Australia. This record-breaking moment occurred during the ongoing third Test match between India and Australia at the Gabba in Brisbane. Bumrah’s 52nd wicket in Australia, dismissing Marnus Labuschagne on the fifth day of the match, edged him ahead of the 1983 World Cup-winning captain, Kapil Dev, who had previously held the record with 51 wickets.
Bumrah, the world’s No.1 ranked Test bowler, has been in exceptional form throughout India’s tour of Australia. His wicket-taking ability on Australian pitches has earned him recognition as one of the most formidable bowlers in world cricket. With this new achievement, Bumrah has firmly etched his name in Indian cricket history.
Jasprit Bumrah’s Rise to the Top
Jasprit Bumrah’s consistency and skill with the ball in hand have made him an indispensable part of the Indian cricket team. His unique action, sharp pace, and ability to bowl in the most challenging conditions have earned him praise worldwide.
Before Bumrah’s exceptional performance at the Gabba, the record for most wickets by an Indian bowler in Australia was held by Kapil Dev, with 51 wickets. The iconic Indian all-rounder achieved this feat during his illustrious career, which spanned the 1970s and 1980s. Bumrah’s success in surpassing this milestone is a testament to his growth and impact in modern-day cricket.
How Bumrah Surpassed Kapil Dev’s Record
On the fifth day of the third Test in Brisbane, Bumrah achieved his 52nd wicket on Australian soil by dismissing Marnus Labuschagne, one of Australia’s most reliable batsmen. This wicket not only put India in control of the match but also cemented Bumrah’s place in the record books.
Bumrah’s wicket of Labuschagne came from a length delivery that moved away from the right-hander’s body. Labuschagne attempted to play an aggressive shot, only to edge the ball behind to India’s wicketkeeper, Rishabh Pant. This breakthrough gave Bumrah his 52nd Test wicket in Australia, surpassing Kapil Dev’s long-standing record.
The Top Indian Bowlers on Australian Soil
Following Bumrah’s record-breaking achievement, here is a look at the top five Indian bowlers with the most Test wickets in Australia:
- Jasprit Bumrah – 52 wickets (and counting)
- Kapil Dev – 51 wickets
- Anil Kumble – 49 wickets
- Ravichandran Ashwin – 40 wickets
- Bishan Singh Bedi – 35 wickets
These bowlers have played pivotal roles in India’s historic Test series wins in Australia, with Bumrah leading the charge in the modern era.
Bumrah’s Impact in the Ongoing Test Match
As the third Test match unfolds, Bumrah’s contributions have been vital in India’s dominance on Australian soil. At the time of writing, India’s bowlers have reduced Australia to a precarious position of 73/6 in their second innings. Bumrah, along with Mohammed Siraj and debutant Akash Deep, has been instrumental in the collapse, with both Bumrah and Siraj claiming two wickets each.
The pressure is mounting on Australia as they face the challenge of chasing down a significant target with just four wickets in hand. Bumrah’s relentless pursuit of wickets and his ability to bowl in critical moments highlight his leadership and skill as India’s premier bowler.
Australian Bowlers in India vs. Australia Test Series
While Bumrah continues to dominate, the battle for supremacy in the India vs. Australia Test series also features some of the best bowlers from Australia. Nathan Lyon, Australia’s legendary off-spinner, holds the record for the most wickets in India vs. Australia Test matches. As of now, Lyon has taken 124 wickets in 30 Tests, a remarkable achievement that sets the bar for his counterparts. Following him are Australian fast bowlers Pat Cummins (64 wickets) and Mitchell Starc (63 wickets), both of whom have been integral to Australia’s bowling attack.
Bumrah’s Future in Australian Cricket
Jasprit Bumrah’s latest record surpassing Kapil Dev is a defining moment in his career. With the 2024 Test series in Australia still ongoing, there is no telling how many more wickets Bumrah will add to his tally. His ability to perform in the toughest of conditions, especially in Australia, has made him one of the most respected fast bowlers in international cricket.
As India continues to challenge Australia in their own backyard, Bumrah’s contributions will undoubtedly be crucial to India’s success. His journey from a promising young pacer to the most successful Indian bowler on Australian soil is a testament to his hard work, determination, and exceptional talent.
Conclusion
Jasprit Bumrah’s record-breaking feat of becoming the Indian bowler with the most Test wickets in Australia is a historic achievement that adds to his growing legacy in world cricket. Surpassing Kapil Dev’s record is a monumental milestone that will be remembered for years to come. With his exceptional skill set and ability to perform under pressure, Bumrah’s career is one to watch, and he is poised to achieve even greater heights in the world of Test cricket.
