Peerless in modern-era, Jasprit Bumrah set for major landmark in Perth Test

Australia vs India, Perth Test: Jasprit Bumrah became only the second bowler after Sydney Barnes in 1914 to have more than 150 wickets in Tests at an average of less than 20. Bumrah achieved the feat during a deadly spell on Day 3 of the series opener in Perth.

In Short

• Jasprit Bumrah's Test average dipped below 20 on Day 3 of Perth Test
• Bumrah became one of only two bowlers with 150-plus wickets at an average below 20.
• Bumrah rattled Australia in the first of the five-Test series in Perth

Jasprit Bumrah is arguably the greatest fast bowler of the modern era. Even those who previously doubted his brilliance would have reconsidered after witnessing his tormenting of Australian batters on a lively Perth Stadium pitch during the opening Test of the much-discussed Border-Gavaskar Trophy. Over three days, Bumrah dismantled the aura surrounding the reigning world Test champions with ruthless spells of fast bowling.

AUS vs IND, Perth Test Day 4 Updates

Some have hailed his five-wicket haul in the first innings as one of the finest bowling performances by a visiting fast bowler on Australian soil. He further cemented his reputation with a devastating Sunday evening burst that would haunt Australian cricket for a long time. After India set an uninspired Australian side a monumental target of 534 runs, Bumrah ripped through the top order, dismissing opener Nathan McSweeney and No. 3 Marnus Labuschagne. In just 30 minutes during the final session on Day 3, Australia were left reeling at 12 for 3.

The much-debated Perth pitch, which had flattened out when India batted on it for the second time, seemed to dance to Bumrah's tune when he held the red Kookaburra on Sunday. As the stand-in captain, Bumrah made the decisive call to declare India's second innings late in the evening, challenging the Australian batters to survive the last 30 minutes against a fully rested attack. The decision paid off spectacularly for the tourists.

The dismissal of Marnus Labuschagne on Sunday marked a significant milestone for Bumrah. His bowling average dipped below 20 following a sensational delivery that jagged back sharply, striking Labuschagne on the pads as he shouldered arms.

Bumrah became the first active fast bowler to take more than 150 Test wickets at an average of under 20. This extraordinary feat placed him alongside the legendary Sydney Barnes in an elite category.

Popular cricket broadcaster Paul Dennett highlighted Bumrah's landmark in a series of posts on X.

Among modern fast bowlers, the closest to Bumrah’s average is South Africa’s Kagiso Rabada.

LOWEST BOWLING AVERAGES FOR BOWLERS (MIN 150 WICKETS)

• Sydney Barnes (ENG) | Matches: 27 | Wickets: 189 | Average: 16.43 | Years: 1901–1914
• Jasprit Bumrah (IND) | Matches: 41 | Wickets: 180 | Average: 19.94 | Years: 2018–Present
• Alan Davidson (AUS) | Matches: 44 | Wickets: 186 | Average: 20.53 | Years: 1953–1963
• Malcolm Marshall (WI) | Matches: 81 | Wickets: 376 | Average: 20.94 | Years: 1978–1991
• Joel Garner (WI) | Matches: 58 | Wickets: 259 | Average: 20.97 | Years: 1977–1987
• Curtly Ambrose (WI) | Matches: 98 | Wickets: 405 | Average: 20.99 | Years: 1988–2000
• James Laker (ENG) | Matches: 46 | Wickets: 193 | Average: 21.24 | Years: 1948–1959
• Kagiso Rabada (SA) | Matches: 66 | Wickets: 313 | Average: 21.49 | Years: 2015–Present
• Fred Trueman (ENG) | Matches: 67 | Wickets: 307 | Average: 21.57 | Years: 1952–1965
• Glenn McGrath (AUS) | Matches: 124 | Wickets: 563 | Average: 21.64 | Years: 1993–2007
• Allan Donald (SA) | Matches: 72 | Wickets: 330 | Average: 22.25 | Years: 1992–2002

Are there any other fast bowlers who had an average of less than 20 when they had more than 150 Test wickets?

• Pakistan great Waqar Younis averaged 19.50 when he had 191 wickets in 34 Tests until 1995.
• Shaun Pollock averaged 19.86 after 50 Tests (210 wickets) in 2001.
• However, they finished their careers with averages of 23.11 (Pollock) and 23.56 (Waqar).

The closest Indian bowler to Jasprit Bumrah in this elite list is left-arm spinner Ravindra Jadeja, who averages 23.76 for 319 wickets. There is no other Indian fast bowler in the top 50 of the all-time list.

From being considered a white-ball specialist who was fast-tracked into the Test team by Virat Kohli and Ravi Shastri in 2018, Jasprit Bumah has come a long way.

Regardless of the conditions, Bumrah has been effective because of unique action and incredible thinking of the game. Even on pitches at home, which is considered conducive for spinners, Bumrah has 68 wickets in 12 Tests at an average of just 17.19.

Bumrah needs to finish the second innings of the Perth Test with figures of 2 for 9 or 3 for 29 or 4 for 49 or 5 for 69 or 6 for 89 to make sure his bowling average remains below 20.

Would you want to bet against him?