January 8, 2025: Michael Clarke’s glowing praise of Jasprit Bumrah as the greatest all-format fast bowler is a testament to the Indian pacer’s extraordinary skill and adaptability across all forms of the game. Bumrah’s performance in the 2024 Border-Gavaskar Trophy indeed stood out, particularly with his “Player of the Series” honor after taking 32 wickets at an exceptional average of 13.06. His impact in the series was undeniable, with game-changing performances in Perth, Brisbane, and Melbourne. In particular, his ability to bowl in all conditions and formats—something few fast bowlers can claim—has set him apart in the modern era of cricket.
Clarke’s statement that Bumrah is “probably the best fast bowler ever across all three formats” is significant because it places Bumrah in a category that includes some of the most legendary fast bowlers in history. While players like Curtly Ambrose and Glenn McGrath are often lauded for their dominance in Tests, Bumrah’s ability to perform at the highest level in all formats—Tests, ODIs, and T20s—sets him apart. Clarke’s assessment of Bumrah as a “freak” who can excel in “any conditions, any format” underscores just how rare and exceptional his abilities are.
The series was a roller-coaster for India, with Bumrah’s brilliance playing a crucial role in many of their successes, but also leaving a significant void when he was forced to leave the field due to injury in the final Test in Sydney. Clarke’s comment about Bumrah’s absence possibly being the turning point in India’s defeat in the Sydney Test is insightful. Bumrah’s presence could have made a huge difference, especially in the second innings when India’s lead was on the cusp of being substantial enough to give them a fighting chance. His ability to break partnerships and deliver key wickets was a major factor in India’s earlier dominance in the series.
Despite the loss, Bumrah’s individual brilliance shines through in the numbers. Had he not been injured, it is plausible to think that India would have had a greater chance of securing a win. His almost-record-breaking haul—just two wickets short of Sydney Barnes’ 1911-12 record of 34 wickets in a series by a visiting fast bowler—speaks volumes about his consistency and impact.
While Bumrah’s performance in the series was the highlight, Australia’s tactical approach to managing him also stands out. Aaron Finch’s insight about Australia “playing the long game” with Bumrah—targeting him for extended spells and ultimately breaking him down—is a reflection of both Bumrah’s immense value to India and Australia’s strategic approach to limiting his effectiveness. The fact that Australia’s resilience, with players like Usman Khawaja and Marnus Labuschagne coming to the fore, meant that India’s lead in Sydney could not be capitalized on as it might have been with Bumrah fully fit, further illustrates how crucial his role is.
Even though Bumrah’s injury left a gap in India’s bowling attack, the series still saw contributions from other pacers like Mohammed Siraj, who claimed 20 wickets at an average of 31.15, and Prasidh Krishna, who impressed in his limited opportunities. Yet, as Clarke and Finch both noted, Bumrah’s absence made a significant difference to India’s chances.
Bumrah’s performances in this series, as well as his consistency in all formats, has firmly established him as one of the finest fast bowlers the game has seen. Whether he’s in the swinging conditions of England, the bouncy tracks of Australia, or the flat wickets of India, Bumrah has shown time and again that his ability to adapt and deliver in crucial moments makes him one of the most valuable bowlers in world cricket today.
