Bumrah Named Captain of Cricket Australia’s Test Team of the Year

Sydney : Jasprit Bumrah has been named captain of Cricket Australia’s prestigious Test team of the year, in recognition of his stellar performances during the 2024 Border-Gavaskar Trophy. The Indian pace spearhead, who has dominated world cricket, was also celebrated for his record-breaking year, which included taking 71 wickets in 13 matches at an average of 14.92.

Cricket Australia lauded Bumrah as “one of the greatest calendar years by a bowler ever,” noting his exceptional performance on multiple fronts. His 30 wickets in the ongoing Border-Gavaskar series have been a standout, and he has been pivotal in India’s triumphs, including a memorable victory in Perth. “Not since Dale Steyn’s 74-wicket year in 2008 has a pace bowler been as prolific,” said CA, highlighting Bumrah’s exceptional strike rate of 30.16.

In addition to his remarkable bowling, Bumrah’s leadership on the field has been commendable, with CA recognizing him as the only player to captain his side in 2024, a role he could take on more frequently in the future.

Yashasvi Jaiswal, the young Indian opener, was the only other Indian player named in the Test team of the year. Jaiswal’s outstanding performance with the bat in 2024 saw him score 1,478 runs from 15 matches, including three centuries. His double centuries in February were key to India’s series win over England, and his remarkable 161 in Perth helped secure another critical victory. Jaiswal’s tally of 36 sixes in 2024 set a new worldwide record for a calendar year.