Dubai, Dec 30 (NationPress) India’s fast-bowling ace Jasprit Bumrah has received a nomination for the 2024 ICC Men’s Test Cricketer of the Year award. Alongside him, Sri Lankan all-rounder Kamindu Mendis and England's batting stars Joe Root and Harry Brook are also contenders for this prestigious accolade.
Returning to the Test format during the Centurion Test against South Africa in 2023, following a back surgery that sidelined him, Bumrah has excelled in 2024, claiming 71 wickets in 13 Tests – the highest tally by any bowler this year.
His 71 wickets in 2024 mark the fifth-highest total for an Indian bowler in a single Test calendar year, a record still held by Kapil Dev, who took 75 wickets in 18 matches back in 1983. Bumrah's performances were remarkable across various conditions, whether in South Africa, Australia, or at home.
During the ongoing Border-Gavaskar Trophy in Australia, Bumrah is currently the leading wicket-taker with 30 wickets at an average of 12.83. He also achieved the milestone of 200 Test wickets in Australia, becoming the fastest Indian pacer to do so.
Bumrah's standout moments include a six-wicket haul against England in Visakhapatnam, and a captaincy performance where he led India to a massive 295-run victory in Perth. After India was bowled out for 150 in the first innings, Bumrah turned the match around with a five-wicket haul, dismissing Australia for 104.
In the fourth innings, with Australia chasing a daunting 534 runs, Bumrah secured three wickets, clinching a memorable win for India. His performance earned him the Player of the Match award and propelled him back to the top of the ICC Men’s Test Bowling Rankings.
On the other hand, Joe Root, England’s star batsman, scored 1556 runs across 17 Tests at an average of 55.57, marking his second-best annual run total after 2021. This achievement marks the fifth occasion Root has scored over 1000 Test runs in a calendar year.
Root's impressive tally includes six Test centuries and five fifties, making him the joint-fifth highest century scorer in Tests (36), alongside Rahul Dravid. Additionally, he showcased his all-round capabilities by taking a four-wicket haul during the Test series against India.
His teammate Harry Brook amassed 1100 runs in 12 Tests at an average of 55, featuring three fifties and four centuries, including a remarkable maiden triple century in Pakistan, establishing himself as a breakthrough batter for England.
Kamindu Mendis has also made his mark, scoring 1049 runs in nine Tests at an impressive average of 74.92. He became the joint-third quickest to reach 1000 Test runs, matching Sir Don Bradman’s record of 13 innings to achieve this milestone and contributing with two centuries in Sri Lanka’s 2-0 series victory over New Zealand.
