By - News Beat
In the long history of Test cricket, few bowlers have dominated a calendar year as much as Jasprit Bumrah in 2024. With an under-16 average of 50 wickets, Bumrah's performance this year has been nothing short of exceptional. Such numbers place him in the elite class of bowlers who have etched their names in cricketing folklore. But how does his achievement stack up against the all-time greats who have set similar standards? Let's break it down.
2024 number of Bumrah
Jasprit Bumrah's return to Test cricket after battling injury was nothing short of a statement of intent. Playing 10 Tests in various conditions in 2024, Bumrah took 54 wickets at an astonishing average of 15.87. His strike rate of 37.6 is testament to his ability to take wickets at will, and his economy rate of just 2.53 per over ensured constant pressure on the opposition batsmen.
Highlights of his year include:
Career-best 8/29 against South Africa at the green MCG pitch.
A match-winning performance in England, where he swung the Dukes ball brilliantly to take 23 wickets in four Tests.
A clinical display in sub-continental conditions, where his reverse swing and accuracy proved lethal.
How rare are these numbers?
Bowlers taking 50+ wickets in a calendar year which is extremely rare in Test history. Let's take a look at a few legendary seasons that compare to Bumrah's 2024:
1. Sidney Barnes (1912)
Barnes took 61 wickets at an average of 10.75, one of the most dominant seasons ever. However, it is worth noting that the pitches in this era were often exposed, making conditions favorable for bowlers.
2. Malcolm Marshall (1984)
In Marshall's 1984 season he took 84 wickets at 16.43, terrorizing batsmen with pace, bounce and control. Although his average is slightly higher, his overall wicket tally and impact is unmatched.
3. Glenn McGrath (2005)
The Australian great had a phenomenal Ashes campaign, ending the year with 59 wickets at 15.64. His precision and mental toughness in high-pressure situations was unmatched.
4. Vernon Flander (2013)
Philander's magical year saw him take 52 wickets at 15.15, mainly in seamer-friendly conditions. His ability to exploit subtle movements off the pitch drew comparisons to greats such as McGrath.
What makes Bumrah's year unique?
Bumrah's 2024 is remarkable not just for numbers but also for his versatility:
Adaptability: It excelled in a variety of conditions, from English pitches to flat subcontinental tracks.
Evolution of skill: Although his yorkers and fast bouncers are his trademarks, his mastery of swing and seam movement added a new dimension to his bowling.
Bumrah's resilience after a career-threatening injury has made his success all the more impressive.
Historical context
Cricket analysts often emphasize that modern cricket, with its improved bats, flatter pitches, and busy schedules, makes Bumrah's 2024 all the more important. Unlike eras past, where bowlers extended spells of dominance in favorable conditions, contemporary bowlers face greater challenges in maintaining consistency across formats and terrains.
The result
Jasprit Bumrah's 2024 will be one of the best years for a bowler in Test cricket. While comparisons to legends like Barnes, Marshall, and McGrath are inevitable, what stands out is Bumrah's ability to overcome various challenges in the modern era. As fans, we are privileged to witness a generation of talent redefining the art of fast bowling.
Where does Bumrah's 2024 rank among the best years of all time? Opinions among cricket purists may differ, but one thing is certain - he has set a standard that will be difficult to surpass in years to come.
Published in News Beat on December 7th, 2024