Jasprit Bumrah’s stellar performances in 2024 earned him the captaincy of Cricket Australia’s Test Team of the Year. The Indian pace spearhead delivered a jaw-dropping 71 wickets in just 13 matches, averaging 14.92 with a strike rate of 30.16. These figures underscore his dominance as one of the most prolific bowlers in modern cricket.
Cricket Australia heaped praise on Bumrah, stating, “One of the greatest calendar years by a bowler ever; not since Dale Steyn’s 74-wicket haul in 2008 has a pacer been as prolific, and not since Imran Khan’s 62 victims in 1982 has one bowled at such a remarkable rate.”
A Phenomenal Year with the Ball
Bumrah’s exploits weren’t confined to a single series. He tormented Australia with 30 wickets in the ongoing Border-Gavaskar Trophy, regarded as one of the finest tours by a visiting bowler. Back home, he dismantled England’s batting lineup, taking 19 wickets on surfaces where other seamers struggled.
As Cricket Australia noted, “Bumrah cleaned up England on unhelpful home pitches, where every other seamer went around the park.”
His consistency and impact throughout the year also earned him leadership responsibilities, a role he embraced with success during India’s win in Perth.
Yashasvi Jaiswal Shines Bright
Joining Bumrah in the XI is India’s batting sensation Yashasvi Jaiswal. The young opener showcased maturity beyond his years, amassing 1,478 runs in 15 matches at an average of 54.74. With three centuries and nine fifties, Jaiswal ended the year as the second-highest run-scorer in Test cricket.
Jaiswal’s back-to-back double centuries against England secured a home series win for India, while his scintillating 161 in Perth was pivotal in India’s triumph Down Under. His 36 sixes in the calendar year set a new global benchmark for Test cricket.
Cricket Australia described him as “India’s bright young batting star, who played with the composure and class of a veteran.”
Notable Omissions and Global Representation
Australia’s own Pat Cummins, despite his 37 wickets from nine matches at an average of 24.02, didn’t make the cut. Instead, his compatriots Alex Carey and Josh Hazlewood represented the host nation in the XI.
The lineup also included standout performers from across the cricketing world: England’s Ben Duckett, Joe Root, and Harry Brook; New Zealand’s Rachin Ravindra and Matt Henry; Sri Lanka’s Kamindu Mendis; and South Africa’s Keshav Maharaj.
Cricket Australia’s Best Test Team of 2024:
- Yashasvi Jaiswal (India)
- Ben Duckett (England)
- Joe Root (England)
- Rachin Ravindra (New Zealand)
- Harry Brook (England)
- Kamindu Mendis (Sri Lanka)
- Alex Carey (Australia) (Wicketkeeper)
- Matt Henry (New Zealand)
- Jasprit Bumrah (India) (Captain
- Josh Hazlewood (Australia)
- Keshav Maharaj (South Africa)
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