Brian Lara Names Jasprit Bumrah Among Cricket's Greatest Legends
Brian Lara's GOATs in Cricket
In a recent discussion, cricketing legend Brian Lara identified his 'Greatest of All Time' (GOAT) players, including Indian fast bowler Jasprit Bumrah alongside three other cricket icons. This announcement was made during a podcast episode of 'Stick to Cricket,' featuring former England cricketers such as Phil Tuffnell, Alastair Cook, Michael Vaughan, and David Lloyd.
Lara highlighted Bumrah's exceptional skills, placing him in the same league as Australian pace great Glenn McGrath, South African all-rounder Jacques Kallis, and Australian wicketkeeper-batter Adam Gilchrist.
Bumrah, a T20 World Cup champion with India, has established himself as one of the finest fast bowlers, amassing 455 wickets in 206 matches at an impressive average of 20.47, with a personal best of 6/19. His Test performance is particularly noteworthy, with 217 wickets in 47 matches at an average of 19.48, including 15 five-wicket hauls.
Glenn McGrath, renowned for his remarkable career, ranks as the fifth-highest wicket-taker in international cricket history, with 949 wickets at an average of 21.76. His best bowling figures stand at 8/24, and he has achieved 36 five-wicket hauls and three ten-wicket hauls. McGrath is also celebrated as Australia's most successful Test bowler, with 563 wickets at an average of 21.64.
Jacques Kallis, a dual-threat with over 10,000 runs and 500 wickets, is a cricketing powerhouse. He is the sixth-highest run-scorer in international cricket, accumulating 25,534 runs across 519 matches at an average of 49.10, complemented by 577 wickets.
Adam Gilchrist transformed the role of wicketkeeper-batters, excelling with his batting prowess. In 396 international matches, he scored 15,461 runs at an average of 38.94, including 33 centuries. His contributions include 9,619 runs in ODIs and 5,570 runs in Tests, making him a three-time World Cup champion.
Lara also recognized other cricketing legends, placing India's captain Rohit Sharma, his former teammate Chris Gayle, Pakistan's Shaheen Shah Afridi, England's Kevin Pietersen, and New Zealand's Kane Williamson in the 'legend' category.
Rohit Sharma has made a significant impact in 499 international matches, scoring 19,700 runs at an average of 42.18, with 49 centuries. He has led India to two ICC T20 World Cup victories and is the highest run-scorer in T20Is.
Chris Gayle, a T20 cricket pioneer, has over 10,000 ODI runs and is known for his explosive batting style, holding records for the most runs and sixes in T20 cricket.
Shaheen Shah Afridi, despite his young age, has already made a name for himself as a formidable fast bowler, ranking as Pakistan's 12th-highest wicket-taker.
Kane Williamson, who captained New Zealand to their first ICC World Test Championship title, is celebrated for his batting consistency, with over 19,000 runs.
Kevin Pietersen, England's third-highest run-scorer, has made significant contributions to the game, particularly in Test cricket.