Published By: Sayan Guha

Revisiting Jasprit Bumrah’s Top Spells That Crowned Him ICC Test Player of the Year 2024!

Bumrah’s extraordinary 2024: A year of untouchable records and breathtaking spells

Cricket often reveals the truth through numbers, and in 2024, Jasprit Bumrah's stats told an incredible story of expertise and skill. With 71 wickets across 13 Tests, averaging an astonishing 14.92 and a strike rate of just 30.1, he seemed untouchable, turning matches into a one-sided affair for his opponents. His remarkable performance earned him the ICC Test Player of the Year award, making him the first Indian fast bowler to achieve this prestigious recognition and solidifying his legacy in the sport.

No bowler in history has matched his record of taking so many wickets in a single year while keeping an average below 16 and a strike rate higher than 39. Bumrah shattered both benchmarks, ensuring that 2024 will be remembered as his year. His talent and determination have indeed left a mark on cricket’s history.

A series of destruction

Bumrah began his furious campaign in Cape Town, where he helped India achieve a rare feat: leaving South Africa with an undefeated record. He followed it with a stunning run against England at home, taking 19 wickets in four Tests, including a career-best yorker that stunned Ollie Pope.

Later in the year, he trounced Bangladesh but struggled against New Zealand. He reserved his best for the Border-Gavaskar Trophy in Australia, where he took 32 wickets in five Tests, including three memorable performances in Perth, Brisbane, and Melbourne.

Let's go back and revisit the top five spells that secured his position in cricket history.

6/61 vs South Africa, Cape Town

If there was one spell that revealed Bumrah's intentions in 2024, this was it. South Africa was on the ropes in Cape Town, having been bowled out for 55 in their first innings. When they returned to bat, Bumrah ensured there would be no miracles. His 6/61 decimated their lineup with deliveries that swung, seamed, and terrorised the Proteas. India only needed 79 to win, as Bumrah's explosives helped them easily win the match.

6/45 vs England, Vizag

The England team visited India in February, expecting to change their fortunes around, but Bumrah had other intentions. He transformed a spinning surface in Visakhapatnam into a speed wizard, taking 6/45 in the first innings and adding three more in the second. His devastating yorker to Ollie Pope created a highlight reel, describing the ball as a 'once-in-a-generation' delivery. England caved under his spell, earning India a convincing 106-run victory.

5/30 vs Australia, Perth

The Perth Test was more than simply a contest; it was a Bumrah masterclass. In Australia's first innings, Bumrah produced a spectacular 5/30. The home team could barely reach 104, leaving the cricket world astonished. India seized on a low score, setting an unattainable target of 534. When Bumrah returned to take three more wickets in the second innings, he sealed Australia's collapse, propelling India to a massive 295-run victory.

6/76 vs Australia, Brisbane

The Gabba is often regarded as Australia's stronghold, but Bumrah transformed it into his playground. He smashed through their batting order in the third Test, taking 6/76 in the first innings. His ability to extract bounce and movement from a very flat surface astounded the Australian batters. Though the match finished in a draw, Bumrah's spell was the highlight, keeping India alive in the series.

5/57 vs Australia, Melbourne

In the Boxing Day Test at the MCG, Bumrah was in deadly form. Although India ultimately lost, Bumrah's figures of 5/57 in the second innings showcased a remarkable display of accuracy. Every ball seemed to serve a purpose, whether it was breaking up partnerships or pinning down set batters. It was more than a performance; it proved that Bumrah's brilliance could shine even in loss.