Jasprit Bumrah’s stellar performances in 2024 earned him the captaincy of Cricket Australia’s Test Team of the Year. The Indian spearhead surrendered a staggering 71 wickets in just 13 matches, at an average of 14.92 and a strike rate of 30.16. These figures underline his dominance as one of the most prolific bowlers in modern cricket.
Cricket Australia praised Bumrah, stating: “One of the best calendar years for a bowler; “Not since Dale Steyn’s 74-wicket haul in 2008 has a pacer been so prolific, and not since Imran Khan’s 62 wickets in 1982 has one bowled one at such a remarkable rate.”
A phenomenal year with the ball
Bumrah’s exploits were not limited to a single series. He tormented Australia for 30 wickets in the ongoing Border-Gavaskar Trophy, regarded as one of the best hauls by a visiting bowler. Back home, he dismantled England’s batting line-up, taking 19 wickets on surfaces where other seamers struggled.
As Cricket Australia noted, “Bumrah cleaned up England on useless home pitches, where all the other seamers were hanging around the park.”
His consistency and impact throughout the year also earned him leadership responsibilities, a role he successfully assumed during India’s victory in Perth.
Yashasvi Jaiswal shines
Joining Bumrah in the XI is India’s batting sensation Yashasvi Jaiswal. The young opener showed maturity beyond his years, amassing 1,478 runs in 15 matches at an average of 54.74. With three centuries and nine fifties, Jaiswal finished the year as the second highest run-scorer in Test cricket.
Jaiswal’s back-to-back double centuries against England secured a home series victory for India, while his brilliant 161 in Perth was instrumental in India’s triumph in Australia. His 36 sixes in the calendar year set a new world 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 overall representation
Australia’s own Pat Cummins, despite his 37 wickets in nine matches at an average of 24.02, missed the cut. Instead, compatriots Alex Carey and Josh Hazlewood represented the host nation in the XI.
The line-up also included notable performers from across the cricket world: England’s Ben Duckett, Joe Root and Harry Brook; Rachin Ravindra and Matt Henry, from New Zealand; Kamindu Mendis of Sri Lanka; and Keshav Maharaj of South Africa.
Cricket Australia 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) (goalkeeper)
- Matt Henry (New Zealand)
- Jasprit Bumrah (India) (Captain
- Josh Hazlewood (Australia)
- Keshav Maharaj (South Africa)
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