Top three spells of Jasprit Bumrah in Test cricket

He is the top-ranked bowler in Test cricket as of now, and not many would debate that position. Jasprit Bumrah is undoubtedly one of the best to play the game ever for India, and the best fast bowler currently active in the cricketing fraternity. He seems to be a threat at all stages of the game, with the new ball, with the old ball, on a flat deck or a spicy wicket. Jasprit Bumrah can really make the ball talk. 

Due to workload management, the world doesn’t get the opportunity to watch Jasprit Bumrah in all Tests. However, when he does set foot onto the Test arena, he is a bane for the batters and the whole world waits with bated breath for Jasprit Bumrah’s next bowling masterclass. With that in mind, here’s a rewind on three enigmatic spells by Jassi bhai so far in his Test career. 

Top three spells of Jasprit Bumrah in Test cricket: 

1. 6/33 vs Australia, Melbourne, 2018

This spell occurred fairly early in his Test career and culminated in one of India’s famous wins Down Under. India toured Australia in 2018 in the hopes of winning an away series for the first time in their history, with Steve Smith and David Warner suspended. Batting first on Boxing Day, India notched up 443 with Cheteshwar Pujara scoring a century. 

In reply, Australia were all out for 151 runs with Bumrah being the wrecker-in-chief. He got opener Marcus Harris out early, and then blew open the middle-order and then the tail, with the slower delivery to Shaun Marsh being the highlight of that spell. India ended up winning that Test match by 137 runs to set up a historic away Test series win over Australia. 

2. 6/45 vs England, Vizag, 2024

A performance for the ages, Jasprit Bumrah produced a spell from hell against a resolute England side to get India back in the contest. Having lost the first Test at Hyderabad, India travelled to Vizag for the second. Yashasvi Jaiswal got a double ton as India got 396 runs in their first innings, and then it was the Jasprit Bumrah show. On a flat and lifeless pitch, Bumrah managed to squeeze water out of the rock as England were dismissed for 253 in the first innings. 

He broke the middle order of England in that innings, getting the wickets of Ollie Pope, Joe Root, Jonny Bairstow, and Ben Stokes. The Pope wicket was the highlight, as the centurion from the previous game got an unplayable yorker that murdered the three stumps behind him. Bumrah ended with 6/45 to allow India a comeback in that series, as they went on to win it 4-1. 

3. 6/61 vs South Africa, Cape Town. 2024

This was another memorable win for India away from home, as they squared a series against South Africa in 2024. On a wicket that was assisting the pacers quite a bit, South Africa were bundled out for 55 in the first innings, as Siraj picked six wickets while Bumrah claimed two. India managed 154 in their first essay, gaining a bit of an advantage but South Africa threatened to neutralize the lead in the second innings, as batting got a bit easier. 

However, Jasprit Bumrah had other ideas. He took out the middle order one at a time as Aiden Markram found no support while he notched up his hundred. South Africa were all out for 176 in their second innings, with Bumrah ending with 6/61. India chased down the target of 79 with seven wickets to spare in their second innings.