Indian fast bowler Jasprit Bumrah was crowned the ICC Men's Test Cricketer of the Year on Monday. He had an exceptional 2024 season in which he took 71 wickets in just 13 matches at a mind-boggling average of less than 15. His outstanding showings made him the world's best bowler in the calendar year.
Having returned to Test cricket in late 2023 after recovering from a back injury, the world's top-ranked bowler delivered an incredible average of 14.92 in 2024, breaking records along the way. Bumrah’s contributions were pivotal in keeping India competitive in the ICC World Test Championship, even though the team eventually fell short of reaching the final.
“Bumrah was the standout bowler in the world in 2024, excelling in both home and away conditions and proving a key contributor in keeping India in contention in the ICC World Test Championship standings,” the ICC said in a press release.
Bumrah edged out strong contenders such as England’s Harry Brook and Joe Root, as well as ICC Emerging Cricketer of the Year Kamindu Mendis, to secure the award. He became the first Indian to win this accolade since Virat Kohli in 2018. Prior to Virat Kohli, legendary off-spinner Ravichandran Ashwin had received this honor way back in 2016. Bumrah is also the first Indian fast bowler to win this award.
Expressing his gratitude, Bumrah said, “I am deeply honoured to receive the ICC men’s Test Cricketer of the Year award. Test cricket has always been a format I hold close to my heart, and to be recognized on this platform is truly special.”
He added, “This award is not just a reflection of my individual efforts but also of the unwavering support of my teammates, coaches, and fans who continue to believe and inspire me every day. Representing India is a privilege I deeply cherish, and knowing my efforts bring smiles to people around the world makes this journey even more special.”
Bumrah is also in contention for the prestigious Sir Garfield Sobers Trophy for Men’s Cricketer of the Year, which is set to be announced on Tuesday. Additionally, he was included in the ICC Men’s Test Team of the Year for 2024.
The right-arm pacer played a crucial role in India’s series victories against England and Bangladesh at home, while also excelling in challenging away conditions in South Africa and Australia. He bowled as many as 357 overs in the year, with an economy rate of 2.96 that was remarkably good in an era synonymous with some quick scoring in Test cricket. His annual strike rate of 30.1 highlights his dominance.
He was one of only a handful of Indian bowlers to have claimed more than 70 Test wickets in a calendar year, including the names of Ravichandran Ashwin, Anil Kumble, and Kapil Dev. His average, however, at 14.92 is unbroken by the 17 Test history-makers to claim more than 70 wickets in a calendar year.
The fact that 32 of his 71 wickets were claimed in the Border-Gavaskar Trophy against Australia only tells one that India failed 1-3 despite the best of Bumrah's efforts.
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