Indian pacer Jasprit Bumrah achieves historic milestone, edging closer to surpassing Ravichandran Ashwin’s best-ever rating in ICC Rankings.
On the eve of the highly anticipated Boxing Day Test, India’s ace fast bowler Jasprit Bumrah has etched his name into the annals of cricketing history by equaling Ravichandran Ashwin’s record for the highest-ever rating points by an Indian bowler in the ICC Test Rankings.
Bumrah’s phenomenal performance in the third Test against Australia at Brisbane, where he claimed a sensational 9/94, earned him an additional 14 rating points. This brought his total to 904, a number that matches Ashwin’s peak rating achieved in December 2016. With this, Bumrah has solidified his position as the top-ranked bowler in the world, leaving cricket fans and analysts in awe of his consistency and dominance.
The third Test in Brisbane may have ended in a draw, but it was nothing short of a personal triumph for Bumrah. His devastating spells not only troubled the Australian batting lineup but also placed him in the elite league of Indian bowlers. Ashwin, a master of spin, achieved his 904-point milestone eight years ago. Bumrah’s achievement highlights the versatility and evolution of Indian cricket, showcasing its ability to produce world-class bowlers across disciplines.
The 30-year-old pacer now has an opportunity to surpass Ashwin’s record as India faces Australia in the decisive fourth Test at Melbourne Cricket Ground (MCG) starting December 26. With conditions expected to suit his bowling style, fans and experts are eager to see if Bumrah can break new ground and set an unprecedented benchmark.
Bumrah’s rivals in the ICC Rankings, South Africa’s Kagiso Rabada (856 points) and Australia’s Josh Hazlewood (852 points), trail him significantly. While Rabada and Hazlewood have had remarkable careers, Bumrah’s consistent performances across formats have placed him a cut above the rest.
The ongoing India-Australia series has been a litmus test for both teams, with key players from both sides showcasing their prowess. Bumrah’s remarkable showing in Brisbane underscored his value to the Indian side, particularly in overseas conditions.
While Bumrah stole the spotlight with his bowling, Australian batter Travis Head continued his meteoric rise in the ICC Test Rankings for Batters. Head climbed to fourth place with 825 points after his scintillating 152-run knock at the Gabba, following a century in Adelaide. He remains behind England’s formidable duo of Joe Root (895) and Harry Brook (876) and New Zealand’s Kane Williamson (867).
Head’s performance has been instrumental for Australia in the series, and his consistency at the crease has drawn comparisons to some of the greats of the game. Fellow Australian Steve Smith also made a statement with a century at the Gabba, re-entering the top 10 and reminding the cricketing world of his enduring class.
In the all-rounders’ rankings, India’s Ravindra Jadeja continues to dominate with 424 rating points. Jadeja’s all-round brilliance has been a cornerstone of India’s success, both at home and abroad. Australian skipper Pat Cummins, who showcased his all-round skills with four wickets and a vital 42 runs in Brisbane, has climbed back into the top 10, further heating up the competition.
As the fourth Test looms, all eyes are on Bumrah, who is poised to create history. With the series locked in a tight contest, both teams will rely on their star performers to tilt the balance in their favor. India, under the leadership of Rohit Sharma, will aim to overcome Australia’s resistance and clinch the series.
For Bumrah, this is not just a personal milestone but a testament to his hard work, resilience, and unrelenting spirit. If he manages to surpass Ashwin’s record, it will be a moment of pride not just for him but for Indian cricket as a whole.
As cricket enthusiasts eagerly await the Boxing Day Test, one thing is certain – Bumrah’s brilliance is a beacon of inspiration, and his journey to the top is a story of perseverance and unparalleled skill.
