Jasprit Bumrah’s impressive performance in the rain-affected third Test in Brisbane has earned him a well-deserved spot in history, as he equals Ravichandran Ashwin’s record for the most rating points by an Indian bowler in the latest ICC Test Rankings. Bumrah’s match haul of 9 wickets for 94 runs, including a stellar 6/76 in the drawn Brisbane Test, propelled him to 904 rating points, consolidating his position at the pinnacle of the ICC Test bowler rankings.
Bumrah’s Historic Rise to the Top of ICC Rankings
Bumrah’s scintillating performance in Brisbane saw him gain 14 ranking points, moving up to 904 rating points and thereby matching Ravichandran Ashwin’s record, set in December 2016. Ashwin, who announced his retirement from international cricket after the Brisbane Test, was the previous Indian bowler to achieve 904 points in the ICC rankings. Bumrah’s performance was crucial for India’s bowling attack, especially in the challenging conditions of the rain-impacted match, further solidifying his reputation as one of the best pacers in modern-day cricket.
As the India vs Australia series continues, Bumrah has the opportunity to surpass Ashwin’s long-standing record when the fourth Test gets underway in Brisbane on December 26. With 21 wickets from six innings in the ongoing Border-Gavaskar Trophy (BGT), Bumrah is on track to further his dominance and cement his place in cricketing history.
Competition Heats Up: Kagiso Rabada and Josh Hazlewood Close Behind
While Bumrah continues to lead the ICC Test Rankings for bowlers, South Africa’s Kagiso Rabada (856 rating points) and Australia’s Josh Hazlewood (852 rating points) remain in close competition, holding the second and third positions, respectively. Despite the fierce competition from these two stalwarts, Bumrah’s recent feats put him in a strong position to maintain his lead and potentially set a new benchmark in the rankings.
Travis Head Climbs to Fourth in Batting Rankings After Stellar Performances
On the batting side, Australia’s Travis Head has been making waves with his remarkable consistency in the ongoing series against India. Head’s outstanding performances, including a blistering 152 at the Gabba, propelled him into the fourth spot in the ICC Test Batting Rankings with 825 rating points. While he remains behind Joe Root (895), Harry Brook (876), and Kane Williamson (867), Head’s performances have undeniably enhanced his standing as one of the most dangerous Test batters of the current era.
Ravindra Jadeja and Pat Cummins in the All-Rounder Rankings
In the ICC Test All-Rounder Rankings, India’s Ravindra Jadeja continues to lead the pack with an impressive 424 rating points. Jadeja’s ability to contribute both with the bat and ball has made him an invaluable asset for India, especially in challenging Test match conditions. Meanwhile, Australia’s captain Pat Cummins made a return to the top-10 after his solid all-round performance in the third Test at the Gabba, claiming four wickets and contributing 42 runs with the bat.
Jasprit Bumrah’s Ambitious Goal: Aiming for 30 Wickets in BGT
With 21 wickets already in his name, Jasprit Bumrah is on the verge of a historic achievement. If he claims just nine more wickets in the final two Tests of the Border-Gavaskar Trophy, Bumrah will become the first pacer in history to reach 30 wickets in a single edition of the BGT. This remarkable milestone would further cement his status as one of the best fast bowlers of all time.
Conclusion: Bumrah’s Historic Journey Continues
Jasprit Bumrah’s record-equaling achievement in the ICC Test Bowler Rankings is a testament to his exceptional skill, resilience, and consistency as a fast bowler. As he continues to break records and take on the best, Bumrah is on the cusp of creating even more history, with a chance to surpass Ashwin’s record and achieve an unprecedented feat in the Border-Gavaskar Trophy.
The excitement is building as the series enters its final stages, with Bumrah poised to become a true legend of the game. With formidable competition from other top bowlers like Rabada and Hazlewood, Bumrah’s future in international cricket looks brighter than ever. As India looks to retain the BGT, Bumrah’s performances will be critical in their quest for victory, with his ambition to become the first pacer to reach 30 wickets in a single edition of the series keeping fans on the edge of their seats.
