New Delhi, Jan 8 (NationPress) Former Australia captain Michael Clarke has recognized Jasprit Bumrah as the ultimate fast bowler across all formats after the Indian star showcased an incredible Player of the Series performance in the Border-Gavaskar Trophy.
Bumrah was exceptional throughout the series, capturing 32 wickets at an average of 13.06, and his lethal bowling often left Australia struggling. The Indian pacer's achievement of 32 wickets brought him tantalizingly close to eclipsing Sydney Barnes' 1911-12 record of 34 wickets in a series by a touring pace bowler in Australia. However, a setback during the SCG Test hampered his chances of matching or exceeding this historic feat.
"Upon reflecting on Bumrah's performances post-series, I genuinely believe he is the greatest fast bowler ever across all three formats," Clarke stated on ESPN's Around the Wicket.
"While many great bowlers like Curtly Ambrose and Glenn McGrath didn’t play T20 cricket, my assessment pertains to anyone who has excelled in all three formats. I believe he might be the best ever. His adaptability in various conditions is what sets him apart; in any format, this guy is extraordinary," he added.
Bumrah's dominance over Australia was evident through his impressive performances, which included eight wickets in Perth, a six-wicket haul at the Gabba, and a pivotal spell at the MCG. During the SCG Test, he took early wickets of Khawaja and Labuschagne but managed only one over after lunch on Day 2, with the match finely balanced.
"I believe India were likely 20 runs short in Sydney. With Bumrah in the lineup, I think India would have prevailed. He is significantly better than the other bowlers on the team," Clarke concluded.
Former Australian captain Aaron Finch attributed Bumrah’s injury to the hosts' calculated strategy of exhausting him. "Australia was ready to engage in a prolonged contest with Jasprit Bumrah. They aimed to make him bowl repeatedly, encouraging him to return for additional spells, and ultimately, it paid off as they wore him down," he mentioned.
Finch believes that Bumrah's presence in the final innings of the SCG Test could have posed a greater challenge for Australia’s chase. "Had he bowled in the last innings in Sydney, would Australia have succeeded? I think they would still win, but it would have been considerably tougher," Finch remarked.
