Jasprit Bumrah crowned like a king by Australian captain; received cricket’s highest honour
Former Australia captain Michael Clarke has hailed Jasprit Bumrah as the best fast bowler in all formats in history after his outstanding performance in the 2024-25 Border-Gavaskar Trophy, snubbing his former teammate and pace bowling legend Glenn McGrath.
Jasprit Bumrah took 32 wickets at an impressive average of 13.06, displaying his lethal skills during the five-match Test series and winning the player of the series award. However, the Indian pacer’s tournament was cut short when he suffered an injury during Australia’s first innings in the final Test at the Sydney Cricket Ground (SCG).
Michael Clarke hails Jasprit Bumrah as the greatest bowler of all formats, ignoring legends like Glenn McGrath
Bumrah finished just two wickets short of equaling Sydney Barnes’ record of 34 Test series wickets by a touring bowler in Australia, set in 1911–12. Meanwhile, Michael Clarke hailed Jasprit Bumrah as the best bowler ever in all three formats of the game, ignoring legends like Curtly Ambrose and Glenn McGrath.
Reflecting on Bumrah’s outstanding performances in the 2024-25 Border-Gavaskar Trophy, Clarke pointed out that legends like Curtly Ambrose and Glenn McGrath were exceptional but they did not play T20 cricket and that is why he feels that Bumrah is much better than the former Australia and West Indies Legend .
According to the former Australian skipper, Bumrah stands out for his ability to dominate in all three formats of the game, regardless of the conditions, and called him a “freak” bowler. His versatility and consistency across formats make him a unique talent and that’s why Clarke credited the Indian pacer as one of the greatest fast bowlers of all time.
This guy is a freak: Michael Clarke on Jasprit Bumrah
Michael Clarke said on ESPN’s Around The Wicket: “What I thought about Bumrah after the series ended and I sat and thought about his performances, I actually think he’s the best fast bowler ever in all three formats.
I know many excellent fast bowlers, Curtly Ambrose and Glenn McGrath; they couldn’t play T20 cricket, so I’m not talking about those guys, but as far as anyone who has played all three formats, I think he could be the best ever. He is actually that good in all conditions; that’s what makes him great: any conditions, any format—this guy’s a freak.”
Meanwhile, India were bowled out for just 157 runs in the second innings and Australia chased down a target of 162 runs in just 27 overs to win the New Year Test by six wickets at the SCG and lift the prestigious Border-Gavaskar Trophy after a decade. However, Bumrah was able to bowl during Australia’s chase.
Michael Clarke says Jasprit Bumrah’s absence cost India the Sydney Test
However, Michael Clarke believes India fell behind by around 20 runs in Sydney, saying that with a 180-run lead and Jasprit Bumrah in the team, India would probably win the final Test. He called Bumrah a game-changer, who could have turned the tables in the SCG New Year Test against Australia.
Clarke signed off by saying, “I think India were probably 20 runs short [in Sydney]. I am counting on a lead of 180, with Bumrah in the team, I think India are at home. I think Bumrah is so good… He is much better than the other bowlers they had in the team.”
