ISLAMABAD: The International Cricket Council (ICC) has named Jasprit Bumrah as the Test Cricketer of the Year for his outstanding achievements in 2024.
Over the course of 13 Test matches, Bumrah claimed 71 wickets, boasting an average of 14.92 and a strike rate of 30.1.
Among bowlers who have taken a similar number of Test wickets in a single calendar year, none have matched Bumrah’s average of under 16 or his strike rate superior to 39.
His performance in 2024 stands as a singular achievement in Test cricket, and perhaps even across all formats. Notably, he also became the first bowler to reach the milestone of 200 Test wickets while maintaining an average below 20.
Bumrah’s performance in 2024
Examining Bumrah’s series-wise performance in Tests throughout 2024, he kicked off the year in Cape Town during the second Test of a two-match series, where he delivered figures of 2-25 and 6-61, aiding India in securing a historic series draw against South Africa.
Upon returning home, he showcased his prowess against England, taking 19 wickets across four Tests at an average of 16.89. His most formidable display came in Visakhapatnam, where he recorded 6-45 and 3-46, including his iconic yorker that dismissed Ollie Pope.
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Following a hiatus in Test cricket for India from mid-March to mid-September, the team resumed with five home matches. Bumrah excelled against Bangladesh, capturing 11 wickets at an average of 12.81, though he managed only three wickets at 42.33 in two Tests against New Zealand.
However, he truly shone during the tour of Australia, where he amassed 30 wickets at an average of 12.83 in the first four Tests (his tally increased to 32 at 13.06 after the fifth Test, which fell outside the award’s eligibility period).
This included standout performances of 5-30 and 3-42 in Perth, leading India to victory despite being bowled out for just 150, as well as remarkable nine-wicket hauls in consecutive Tests at Brisbane and Melbourne.
