Jasprit BumrahHis stellar performances in 2024 earned him the Cricket Australia Test Team Captain of the Year title. The Indian opener has taken an incredible 71 wickets in just 13 matches, at an average of 14.92 at a strike rate of 30.16. These figures underline his dominance as one of the most prolific bowlers in modern cricket.
Cricket Australia praised Bumrah, saying: “One of the best calendar years by a bowler ever; not since Dale Steyn’s 74 wickets in 2008 has a pacer been so prolific, and since Imran Khan’s 62 victims in 1982 has one bowled such incredible speed.”
A phenomenal year with the ball
Bumrah’s exploits were not limited to one series. He tormented Australia with 30 wickets in the sequel Granica-Gavaskar Trophywhich is considered to be one of the best tours by a visiting bowler. At home, he tore through England’s batting line-up, taking 19 wickets on surfaces where other players struggled.
As Cricket Australia remarked: “Bumrah cleaned up England on useless home pitches, where all the other players walked around the park.”
His consistency and impact throughout the year also earned him leadership responsibilities, a role he successfully embraced during India’s win in Perth.
Yashasvi Jaiswal shines
Joining Bumrah in the XI is the Indian batting sensation Yashasvi Jaiswal. The young debutant showed maturity beyond his years, amassing 1478 runs in 15 matches at an average of 54.74. With three centuries and nine fifties, Jaiswal ended the year as the second highest run-scorer in Test cricket.
Jaiswal’s back-to-back double centuries against England secured a home series win for India, while his scintillating 161 in Perth was instrumental in India’s triumph Down Under. His 36 sixes in a calendar year set a new global benchmark for Test cricket.
Cricket Australia described him as “India’s brilliant young batting star, who played with the poise and class of a veteran.”
Significant omissions and global representation
Australia itself Pat Cumminsdespite his 37 wickets from nine matches at an average of 24.02, he did not enter the ascendancy. Instead of him, his compatriots Alex Carey and Josh Hazlewood represented the host nation in the XI.
The line-up also included prominent performers from around the world of cricket: England’s Ben Duckett, Joe Rootand Harry Brook; New Zealand Rachin Ravindra and Matt Henry; Kamindu Mendis from Sri Lanka; and South African Keshav Maharaj.
Best Cricket Australia Test Team 2024:
- Yashasvi Jaiswal (India)
- Ben Duckett (England)
- Joe Root (England)
- Rachin Ravindra (New Zealand)
- Harry Brook (England)
- Kamindu Mendis (Sri Lanka)
- Alex Carey (Australia) (Wicketkeeper)
- Matt Henry (New Zealand)
- Jasprit Bumrah (India) (capt
- Josh Hazlewood (Australia)
- Keshav Maharaj (South Africa)
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