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The ongoing Border-Gavaskar Trophy series between India and Australia has witnessed a spectacular display of fast bowling from Indian pace spearhead Jasprit Bumrah. His performance in the fourth Test at the Melbourne Cricket Ground (MCG) has not only earned him numerous records but has also drawn high praise from former Indian head coach Ravi Shastri. Shastri lauded Bumrah's ability to 'make the ball talk,' highlighting the impact of his spell in significantly shifting the momentum of the match. Bumrah's contribution to the series has been nothing short of phenomenal, amassing a staggering 29 wickets at an average of 13.24, including two five-wicket hauls. His performance in the second innings, where he claimed 4/56 in 24 overs at an economy rate of 2.33, further solidified his position as one of the most impactful bowlers in the series.
Bumrah's achievement extends beyond the current series. In this match, he reached the remarkable milestone of 200 Test wickets, becoming the fastest Indian bowler to achieve this feat. Moreover, he holds the distinction of being the first-ever player to reach 200 Test wickets with an average under 20, surpassing legendary West Indian fast bowlers like Joel Garner, Curtly Ambrose, and Malcolm Marshall. This exceptional achievement places him in elite company, prompting Shastri to include Bumrah in conversations about the 'greatest' fast bowlers of all time. Shastri emphasized Bumrah's remarkable consistency, even considering the predominantly spin-friendly conditions in India where he has already taken 47 wickets in just 12 Tests, at an average of 17.19 and two five-wicket hauls.
Shastri's admiration for Bumrah stems from a combination of factors beyond just raw statistics. He points to Bumrah's unique bowling action, his exceptional accuracy, and his ability to consistently generate variations in pace and trajectory. Shastri's observation of Bumrah's first spell at the MCG, characterized by numerous instances of batsmen missing the ball, further underscores his dominance. The former coach highlighted Bumrah's ability to maintain this high level of performance even on a day four pitch, under the intense Melbourne sun. The fact that he managed to achieve these incredible feats even during a Test match further underlines his immense skill and talent.
Bumrah's performance in this match shattered several records. He became the fourth-fastest bowler to reach 200 Test wickets globally, trailing only Waqar Younis, Dale Steyn, and Kagiso Rabada. He also surpassed Kapil Dev's record for the most international wickets taken by an Indian against Australia in Australia. In addition to these achievements, Bumrah surpassed Anil Kumble to become the second-highest wicket-taker from Asia in SENA (South Africa, England, New Zealand, and Australia) conditions, trailing only Wasim Akram. His performance at the MCG itself is also noteworthy; he now holds the record for the most wickets by an Indian bowler at an away venue, surpassing Kumble's tally at the Sydney Cricket Ground.
The match itself was a closely contested affair. Australia, after winning the toss, posted a challenging first-innings total of 474 runs, thanks to significant contributions from Usman Khawaja, Marnus Labuschagne, and Steve Smith. Bumrah and Ravindra Jadeja were India's leading wicket-takers in the first innings, but India managed to post a respectable total in their response thanks to Yashasvi Jaiswal and Nitish Rana. The second innings saw Australia reduced to 91/6 before Labuschagne and Pat Cummins offered some resistance, ultimately setting up a closely fought contest. The match showcased a compelling battle between two strong cricketing nations, with Bumrah's exceptional bowling performance as a defining feature.
In conclusion, Jasprit Bumrah's performance in the MCG Test match is a testament to his exceptional talent and unwavering dedication to his craft. His record-breaking achievement is not just a personal triumph but a source of national pride for India. Ravi Shastri's endorsement further elevates Bumrah's standing in the pantheon of cricketing greats, solidifying his place among the most impactful bowlers in the history of the game. His performance has not only set new benchmarks but also highlighted the exciting future of Indian fast bowling, marking his presence as a pivotal figure in Indian cricket's narrative for years to come. His contributions to the ongoing Border-Gavaskar series have been instrumental in shaping the course of the matches and his name will be forever etched in the annals of cricketing history.