Jasprit Bumrah’s Top 3 Bowling Performances in Tests

Jasprit Bumrah’s contribution to India on the International stage has been profound. His performances have earned him accolades and also have been pivotal in key victories and series outcomes. His ability to adapt to different conditions and deliver match-winning spells under pressure has solidified his reputation as one of the premier fast bowlers in the world. Let’s look at three of the best performances of Bumrah in Test cricket.

Jasprit Bumrah’s Top 3 Test Bowling Performances

1. 2018-2019 Australia v India – 3rd Test

In the third Test of India’s 2018-19 tour of Australia at the Melbourne Cricket Ground, Jasprit Bumrah delivered a match-winning performance, earning him the Player of the Match award. His impact was crucial in India’s 137-run victory, which gave them a 2-1 lead in the series. India drew the next match and defended the Border-Gavaskar trophy.

Bumrah’s first innings was a showcase of his exceptional skill. He bowled 15.5 overs, including 4 maidens, and claimed 6 wickets for just 33 runs at an economy rate of 2.10. His key dismissals included Marcus Harris, Shaun Marsh, Travis Head, Tim Paine, Nathan Lyon, and Josh Hazlewood. His precise control, variations in pace, and ability to exploit bounce and movement were instrumental in dismissing Australia for 151.

Jasprit Bumrah continued his dominance in the second innings, delivering 19 overs with 3 maidens and taking 3 wickets for 53 runs at an economy rate of 2.80. He dismissed Aaron Finch, Shaun Marsh, and Pat Cummins. His consistent pressure and crucial breakthroughs ensured that Australia fell short in their chase of 399 runs.

Bumrah’s total match figures of 9 wickets for 86 runs played a pivotal role in India’s victory. His performance, including the remarkable 6-wicket haul in the first innings, was the best by an Indian pacer in Australia, surpassing Kapil Dev’s record of 8/109 at Adelaide in 1985. This performance also marked Bumrah’s record for the most wickets by an Indian fast bowler in a single Test match in Australia.

2. 2021 England v India – 1st Test

In the 1st Test of the India tour of England at Trent Bridge, Nottingham, Jasprit Bumrah’s bowling was a standout contribution. His efforts were critical in keeping India competitive in a match that ended in a draw due to rain.

Bumrah’s first innings performance was exceptional. He bowled 20.4 overs, including 4 maidens, and took 4 wickets for 46 runs at an economy rate of 2.20. He dismissed Rory Burns, Jos Buttler, Stuart Broad, and James Anderson, which helped restrict England to a total of 183.

Jasprit Bumrah’s second innings performance was equally impressive. He bowled 19 overs, including 2 maidens, taking 5 wickets for 64 runs at an economy rate of 3.40. His key dismissals included Dom Sibley, Zak Crawley, Joe Root, Sam Curran, and Stuart Broad. His ability to break partnerships and dismantle the lower order was crucial in keeping India in contention.

Bumrah’s combined figures of 9 wickets for 110 runs were instrumental in India’s effort. His ability to take crucial wickets in both innings, coupled with his control and consistency, made him one of the standout bowlers of the match. Despite the draw, Bumrah’s performance was pivotal in keeping India competitive. His 5-wicket haul in the second innings was also notable for being the best figures by an Indian bowler in a Test match at Trent Bridge.

3. 2023-2024 India v England – 2nd Test

In the second Test of the India v England series at the Dr. Y.S. Rajasekhara Reddy ACA-VDCA Cricket Stadium in Visakhapatnam, Jasprit Bumrah’s bowling was central to India’s 106-run victory. His performance came on a pitch that was more conducive to spin, yet he adapted superbly.

Bumrah’s first innings was a masterclass in reverse swing. He took 6 wickets for 45 runs, showcasing his ability to extract movement and maintain control on a pitch that offered minimal assistance. His spell was crucial in dismissing England for 168, providing India with a significant first-innings lead. Bumrah’s 6-wicket haul was the best by an Indian fast bowler on a pitch with minimal seam movement in recent times.

Jasprit Bumrah’s second-innings performance saw him take 3 more wickets, helping to wrap up England’s innings for 292. His consistent pressure and crucial breakthroughs ensured that England could not mount a substantial chase. Bumrah’s match figures of 9 wickets for 91 runs were the second-best for an Indian seamer against England, behind Chetan Sharma’s 10/188 at Edgbaston in 1986.

Bumrah’s performance in this match was crucial in India’s victory and marked a significant achievement in his career. His adaptability on a spinner-friendly pitch, combined with his skillful use of reverse swing, was key in securing the win. Jasprit Bumrah’s match figures of 9/91 were the second-best for an Indian seamer against England, showcasing his remarkable consistency and impact.

For context, Kuldeep Yadav only had a notable impact in the 1st innings with 3 wickets for 71 runs but was less effective in the 2nd innings. Ravichandran Ashwin improved in the 2nd innings with 3 wickets for 72 runs after a wicketless 1st innings. Axar Patel’s contributions were less significant, with only 1 wicket across both innings and higher economy rates. Overall, Jasprit Bumrah’s consistent performance overshadowed the spinners.