Jasprit Bumrah Shines with Five-Wicket Haul in First Test Against England

Jasprit Bumrah showcased his exceptional bowling skills in the first Test against England at Headingley, achieving a remarkable five-wicket haul. His performance not only restricted England's score but also earned him the 'GOAT' title from cricket pundits. With this achievement, Bumrah became the first Asian bowler to reach 150 Test wickets in SENA countries. His consistency and effectiveness in both red and white-ball formats have led to calls for dual biographies to capture his remarkable career. This article delves into Bumrah's impact on the match and his standing in the cricketing world.
 | 
Jasprit Bumrah Shines with Five-Wicket Haul in First Test Against England

Bumrah's Stellar Performance at Headingley

In the ongoing first Test of the five-match series against England at Headingley, Team India's pace leader, Jasprit Bumrah, showcased his exceptional skills. He achieved remarkable bowling figures of 5 wickets for 83 runs, maintaining an economy rate of 3.40 over 24.4 overs. On Day 2, the 31-year-old claimed three crucial wickets, dismissing Zak Crawley, Ben Duckett, and Joe Root, followed by two more scalps of Chris Woakes and Josh Tongue, marking his 14th five-wicket haul since his Test debut in 2018.


Impact on the Match

Bumrah's outstanding performance was pivotal in restricting England to 465 runs, just shy of India's first innings total of 471. His bowling drew significant praise from the English media, highlighting his impact on the game.


Recognition as the 'GOAT'

Following his impressive display, Bumrah received the 'GOAT' (Greatest of All Time) label from cricket analysts and former players. Ex-England bowler Steven Finn emphasized Bumrah's status as 'the most complete fast bowler of all time', noting his influence on matches.


Finn remarked in his column, 'It is increasingly difficult to dispute that Jasprit Bumrah is the most complete fast bowler ever. His match impact is extraordinary, and he has consistently outperformed others in the first Test at Headingley.'


Milestones Achieved

With this five-wicket haul, Bumrah became the first Asian bowler and the fourth overall to achieve 150 Test wickets in SENA countries, joining legends like Shane Warne and Curtley Ambrose. He is also the first Indian bowler to record 10 five-wicket hauls in these nations, boasting a total of 150 wickets at an impressive average of 20.26 across 31 matches.


Biographies in the Making

Veteran sports journalist Scyld Berry suggested that Bumrah's extraordinary career merits two separate biographies, one for his white-ball achievements and another for his red-ball success. Berry proposed titles reflecting his dominance in both formats, emphasizing Bumrah's unique place in cricket history.


Bumrah's Unmatched Consistency

Bumrah stands out as the best bowler in Test cricket, holding the lowest bowling average (19.33) among 86 bowlers with over 200 Test wickets. His consistency surpasses that of renowned bowlers like Shane Warne and Glenn McGrath, underscoring his effectiveness in the modern game.


A One-Man Show

Simon Wilde, an English cricket journalist, pointed out the stark contrast between Bumrah's bowling and that of his Indian teammates, who collectively conceded 288 runs while taking five wickets in 53 overs. Wilde noted, 'There were two games here: one when Bumrah was bowling, and one when he wasn't.'


Bumrah has taken 210 wickets in 46 Test matches for India, with 150 of those wickets coming in SENA countries, showcasing his dominance in challenging overseas conditions.


News Hub