India’s ace pacer Jasprit Bumrah added another feather to his cap during the third Test of the Border-Gavaskar Trophy, breaking Kapil Dev’s long-standing record for the most wickets by an Asian bowler in Australia. Bumrah achieved the milestone on Tuesday by delivering two key blows to Australia’s batting lineup during their second innings at the Gabba.
Bumrah’s Twin Strikes Cement Record
Bumrah’s new-ball heroics saw him dismiss Usman Khawaja and Marnus Labuschagne in quick succession. In the third over, Bumrah bowled Khawaja with a delivery that clipped the inside edge, deflected off the back pad, and crashed into the off stump. An over later, he sent Labuschagne back to the pavilion with a length ball that found a faint edge, safely pouched by wicketkeeper Rishabh Pant.
These crucial dismissals elevated Bumrah’s tally to 52 wickets in just 10 Tests in Australia at an astonishing average of 17.21, surpassing Kapil Dev’s 51 wickets in 11 matches. Pakistan’s Sarfaraz Nawaz, with 50 wickets, now stands third on the list of most successful Asian bowlers in Australia.
Leading Wicket-Taker in the Series
Bumrah has been the standout bowler in the ongoing series, emerging as the leading wicket-taker with 21 scalps in just six innings at an impressive average of 10.71. His consistency has been instrumental in India’s performances, placing him ahead of Australia’s Mitchell Starc in the wickets tally.
The 21-wicket haul is now the sixth-best for an Indian bowler in a Test series in Australia. Bumrah’s tally includes two five-wicket hauls: one in Perth, where he led India in Rohit Sharma’s absence, and another in Brisbane during the first innings.
Joining Elite Company
Bumrah has also matched his remarkable 2018/19 series performance, becoming only the second Indian bowler to take 20 or more wickets in two separate Test tours of Australia. The first to achieve this was legendary spinner Anil Kumble, who claimed 24 wickets in the 2003/04 series and 20 wickets in 2007/08.
A Historic Feat for Indian Cricket
Bumrah’s record-breaking performance underscores his pivotal role in Indian cricket. By surpassing Kapil Dev and setting new benchmarks, the pacer continues to solidify his legacy as one of the finest fast bowlers in Indian history.
