Melbourne, Dec 29 (UNI) Jasprit Bumrah etched his name in the record books by becoming one of the fastest bowlers to reach 200 Test wickets, achieving the remarkable milestone in just 8,484 balls bowled, on Day 4 of the Boxing Day Test at MCG here on Sunday.
This achievement places him among an elite group of fast bowlers, with the legendary Waqar Younis achieving the feat in 7,725 balls, Dale Steyn (7,848 balls), and Kagiso Rabada (8,153 balls). Bumrah’s efficiency and impact in Test cricket are underscored by his remarkable feat, solidifying his place among the game’s greats.
In his encounters with Australian batter Travis Head, Bumrah has proven to be a formidable challenge. The Indian pacer has dismissed Head six times in 16 innings, with the Australian managing just 133 runs off 220 balls at a modest average of 22.16. Bumrah’s impact on Head’s performance highlights his skill in troubling top-order batsmen.
Bumrah reached his 200th Test wicket in only 44 matches, a remarkable feat surpassed only by Ravichandran Ashwin (38 Tests) among Indian bowlers, with Ravindra Jadeja matching Bumrah’s 44-Test milestone. This accomplishment is a testament to his consistency and skill in the longest format of the game.
Meanwhile, Australia’s Steve Smith has faced off against Mohammed Siraj in 15 Test innings, managing 133 runs off 291 balls at an average of 33.25. Siraj has dismissed Smith four times, underlining his ability to trouble one of the premier batters in the world in red-ball cricket.
Mitch Marsh, on the other hand, has struggled with form in his recent Test innings. In his last ten innings, Marsh has faced challenges, including three ducks and five single-digit scores, indicating a lack of consistency. However, his flashes of brilliance, including an 80 and a 47, highlight his potential. Despite these bright spots, Marsh has struggled to maintain momentum, with his most recent innings ending in another duck.
These performances continue to showcase the dynamic nature of Test cricket, where even the best players can face challenges and moments of brilliance.
