Jasprit Bumrah makes history with Ben Stokes' wicket in India vs England 2nd Test
Jasprit Bumrah etched his name in Indian cricket history on Saturday, becoming the fastest Indian pacer to reach 150 Test wickets.
Visakhapatnam: Jasprit Bumrah etched his name in Indian cricket history on Saturday, becoming the fastest Indian pacer to reach 150 Test wickets. The fiery fast bowler achieved the feat in just 34 matches, dismantling England's batting line-up with a six-wicket haul for 45 runs in the second Test at Visakhapatnam. This dominant performance put India firmly in control after they posted a first-innings total of 396, thanks to a double century from young opener Yashasvi Jaiswal.
Bumrah Blitz
Bumrah magic unfolded on the second day, his lethal deliveries proving too hot to handle for the English batsmen. He castled dangerous Ben Stokes with a searing inswinger to claim his 150th scalp, igniting celebrations in the Indian camp. Bumrah pace and swing were on full display as he ripped through the middle order, dismissing Joe Root, Ollie Pope, and Jonny Bairstow cheaply. His spell not only brought India back into the contest but also showcased his exceptional bowling talent.
Fastest Among Indians, Elite Company Globally
This remarkable achievement places Bumrah alongside legendary spinners Erapalli Prasanna and Anil Kumble, who also reached 150 Test wickets in 34 matches. While Ravichandran Ashwin (29 Tests) and Ravindra Jadeja (32 Tests) remain the fastest overall, Bumrah feat as a pacer is truly special. Globally, he joins an elite group, sitting behind only Sydney Barnes (England) who reached 150 wickets in a mere 24 Tests in 1913, and Waqar Younis (Pakistan) who achieved the feat in 27 matches.
Beyond Pace, Records Tumble
Bumrah brilliance wasn't limited to wickets. He also became the fastest Indian to reach 150 Test wickets in terms of balls bowled, achieving the feat in just 6781 deliveries. This surpasses the previous record held by Umesh Yadav (7661 balls). Additionally, Bumrah boasts an impressive average of 20.5, underlining his lethal impact in Test cricket.
In terms of balls bowled, Bumrah is the fastest Indian to 150 Test wickets. He got to the feat in just 6781 balls, surpassing the record set by Umesh Yadav who took 7661 balls to get to 150 wickets. Mohammed Shami (7755) is in the third position followed by Kapil Dev (8378) and Ashwin (8380).
Bumrah's achievement isn't just significant in the Indian context. While Sydney Barnes of England holds the all-time record for fastest to 150 wickets (24 Tests in 1913), Bumrah's feat in the modern era is truly commendable. He stands alongside Pakistan's Waqar Younis (27 Tests) as the joint second-fastest in the modern era.
Bumrah’s lethal bowling played a big role on Saturday in bringing India back into the game. He took six wickets for 45 as the visitors were bowled out for 244, trailing India by 152 runs. It was exactly what India needed after they were bowled out for just 396 as batters failed barring Yashasvi Jaiswal who scored 209 alone.
India in Charge, Eyes on Series Win
With England bundled out for a paltry 244, India holds a crucial 152-run lead heading into Day 3. This dominant performance, spearheaded by Bumrah brilliance, has put the hosts in a commanding position to win the second Test and take a vital 2-0 lead in the five-match series.
Looking ahead:
With his raw talent, relentless work ethic, and ever-evolving skill set, Jasprit Bumrah is poised to rewrite many more bowling records in the years to come. His ability to perform under pressure and deliver match-winning spells makes him a true asset for Indian cricket.