New Delhi: Jasprit Bumrah is close to becoming the quickest Indian fast bowler to reach 200 wickets in Test cricket. The pacer has the opportunity to achieve this milestone in India’s upcoming Boxing Day Test against Australia, set to begin on December 26 at the historic Melbourne Cricket Ground.
Kapil Dev set the record in 50 Tests during the match against the West Indies at Port of Spain in March 1983. Bumrah, who is just six wickets away from breaking this record, has taken 194 wickets in 43 Tests at an economy rate of 2.75, with six four-wicket hauls and 12 five-wicket hauls to his name.
If the 31-year-old takes six wickets in the Melbourne Test, he will become the joint second-fastest Indian to reach the 200-wicket mark, alongside Ravindra Jadeja. The record for the fastest Indian is held by former spinner Ravi Ashwin, who achieved the milestone in 37 Tests in September 2016.
Fastest to 200 Test wickets by an Indian:
Jasprit Bumrah is on the verge of making history in the series. He is just five wickets away from breaking the record for the most wickets by an Indian fast bowler in an away Test series. Kapil Dev currently holds the record with 25 wickets from five Tests during the 1991-92 series. Bumrah has so far taken 21 wickets from three Tests at an economy rate of 2.60.
Bumrah was named Player of the Match in the Perth Test after claiming eight wickets, including a five-wicket haul. His outstanding performance helped India secure a 295-run victory, giving them a 1-0 lead in the series.
Bumrah delivered a remarkable performance in the third Test at The Gabba in Brisbane. In the first innings, he took six wickets, playing a key role in India’s effort to draw the match. With the series tied at 1-1, India will aim to build on this momentum heading into the Melbourne Test.
Most wickets by an Indian pacer in an away bilateral Test series:
