NEW DELHI: 908 deliveries, 151.2 overs, and 32 wickets — these staggering numbers define Jasprit Bumrah’s brilliance in the ongoing Border-Gavaskar Trophy. His exceptional performances Down Under have solidified his reputation as an unparalleled workhorse in recent Test cricket history.
At the Sydney Cricket Ground, tension gripped the Indian camp as Bumrah, who had bowled 10 overs and taken two wickets in the Test, left the field with India’s team doctor during the second session, as reported by TimesofIndia.com. He later exited the venue in a car accompanied by the team doctor and BCCI integrity manager, Anshuman Upadhyay.
In the morning session, Bumrah claimed the prized scalp of Marnus Labuschagne, taking his series tally to 32 wickets—the highest ever by an Indian on Australian soil. In doing so, he broke the 1977/78 record of former India captain Bishan Singh Bedi, who had taken 31 wickets.Is the workload taking its toll?
The incredible workload shouldered by Bumrah raises questions about his physical limits. The 31-year-old pacer has bowled over 150 overs in the series, often called upon every single day of play, whether with the ball or bat. His outstanding series average of 13.06 and an economy of 2.77 reflect his efficiency, with best innings figures of 6/76 underlining his dominance.
India captain Rohit Sharma, speaking earlier in the series, acknowledged the challenge of managing Bumrah’s workload.
“If someone is in such great form, you want to maximize it. But there comes a time to step back and give him a breather. I’ve been very careful, constantly checking in on how he feels,” said Rohit.
PERTH TEST: OVERS 30 | WICKETS 8
In the absence of regular captain Rohit, who missed the opening Test due to the birth of his second child, Bumrah was handed dual responsibilities—captaining the team and spearheading the pace attack.
Bumrah embraced the challenge wholeheartedly.
He delivered an exceptional performance by ticking all the boxes: bowled 30 overs, claimed 8 wickets, led India to a significant win, and earned the Player of the Match award.
ADELAIDE TEST: OVERS 24 | WICKETS 4
With Rohit’s return, Bumrah was relieved of captaincy duties. However, he continued to lead the pace attack with distinction.
He claimed four wickets in the match, although India suffered a 10-wicket loss in the day-night Test.
Bumrah bowled 24 overs in the game, showcasing his relentless effort.
BRISBANE TEST: OVERS 34 | WICKETS 9
On a bouncy track, while other pacers, including Mohammed Siraj, Akash Deep, and Nitish Kumar Reddy, struggled for success, Bumrah worked his magic with lethal spells.
He tore through the Australian batting lineup with a six-wicket haul, dismissing openers Usman Khawaja and Nathan McSweeney before accounting for Steve Smith, Travis Head, Mitchell Marsh, and Mitchell Starc.
Bumrah wasn’t done yet. He claimed three more wickets in the second innings.
In total, Bumrah bowled 34 overs in the match, securing 9 wickets in a game that ended in a draw.
MCG TEST: OVERS 52.8 | WICKETS 9
The MCG Test also belonged to Bumrah.
When Australia’s openers were off to a blazing start, Bumrah stepped in with two fiery spells. First, he dismissed Khawaja, then dismantled the middle order by removing Travis Head, Mitchell Marsh, and tailender Nathan Lyon, finishing with figures of 4/99 in 28.4 overs in the first innings.
In the second innings, Bumrah once again showcased his expertise by claiming a five-wicket haul, tearing apart the batting lineup.
In total, Bumrah bowled a marathon 52.8 overs in the match and claimed 9 wickets.
SCG TEST:
With Rohit stepping down from the SCG Test due to poor batting form, Bumrah was once again entrusted with leading the Indian team—and he accepted the challenge with aplomb.
The drama-filled opening day at the SCG saw Bumrah send a strong message: “Don’t mess with me.” Following an altercation with Sam Konstas, he dismissed Khawaja on the last ball of the day.
On Day 2, Bumrah gave India an early breakthrough by dismissing Marnus Labuschagne.
He bowled 10 overs and picked up two wickets before leaving the field with India’s team doctor during the second session.
