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Jasprit Bumrah, the Indian vice-captain and a prominent fast bowler, has received a well-deserved nomination for the prestigious International Cricket Council (ICC) Men's 'Test Cricketer of the Year' Award for 2024. This accolade recognizes his exceptional performance throughout the year, where he showcased his prowess in the longest format of the game. His nomination places him amongst an elite group of contenders, including England's Joe Root and Harry Brook, and Sri Lanka's Kamindu Mendis. The competition is fierce, with each nominee having demonstrated remarkable skill and consistency in their respective roles.
Bumrah's 2024 was nothing short of extraordinary. In a mere 13 Test matches, he amassed an impressive 71 wickets—a staggering feat surpassing his combined wicket tally from the previous four years. His average of 14.92 wickets per game is a testament to his relentless accuracy and ability to consistently dismiss batsmen. Further highlighting his dominance, he achieved five five-wicket hauls, three of which occurred during the intense Border-Gavaskar Trophy against Australia, and one each against South Africa and England. His performance was crucial to India's success in many matches, showcasing his value as a key member of the team.
Bumrah's impactful year began with strong performances against South Africa, taking 2/25 and 6/61 at Newlands. This momentum carried through to the five-Test home series against England, where he claimed 19 wickets despite playing on largely spin-friendly pitches. His contribution was equally significant in the two-Test series against Bangladesh, where he added another nine wickets to his tally, contributing to India's 2-0 series victory. His performance in the home series against New Zealand proved more challenging, taking only three wickets in the first two tests and none in Pune. This slight dip in form, however, did little to diminish his overall contribution to the team throughout the year.
Perhaps his most memorable performances came during the Border-Gavaskar Trophy in Australia. Taking on the captaincy responsibilities, he made a significant impact beginning with a remarkable 5/30 in Perth, leading India to a historic victory. While other Indian bowlers struggled for consistency in Adelaide and Brisbane, Bumrah displayed unwavering precision, taking 13 wickets across four innings. He ended his Australian campaign with another 9 wickets in Perth despite their loss. This consistent high-level performance under pressure solidifies his claim as a deserving nominee.
Bumrah's nomination highlights the fierce competition for the award. He faces stiff competition from Joe Root, who was the leading run-scorer in Tests in 2024 with 1556 runs at an impressive average of 55.57, including six centuries and five fifties. Kamindu Mendis also had a breakthrough year, becoming the joint-third fastest to reach 1000 Test runs, tying Don Bradman's record of 13 innings. His average of 74.92 was the best among batters who played more than two Tests in 2024, showing his phenomenal batting prowess. Harry Brook completed the quartet with his remarkable 1100 runs from 12 Tests at an average of 55, including four centuries and three fifties, further emphasizing the high level of competition Bumrah faces in this prestigious award.
The ICC's 'Test Cricketer of the Year' award is a highly coveted recognition, signifying excellence and consistency in the longest format of cricket. While the competition is undeniably fierce, Jasprit Bumrah's exceptional performance in 2024, with his record-breaking wicket tally and crucial contributions to his team's successes, undeniably positions him as a strong contender for the award. The upcoming announcement of the winner will undoubtedly be a momentous occasion for cricket fans around the world, eagerly awaiting to see who will claim this prestigious title.
Source: Jasprit Bumrah Nominated For ICC 'Test Cricketer of the Year' Award