November 27, 2024: Glenn Maxwell’s praise for Jasprit Bumrah is a testament to the Indian pacer’s extraordinary skill and impact on the game. Bumrah’s rise to the top of the ICC Test Bowler Rankings is no accident, and his performance in the Border-Gavaskar Trophy, particularly in Perth, reinforces why he’s regarded as one of the best fast bowlers of the modern era.
Maxwell highlights several key attributes that make Bumrah a standout: his “unique action,” ability to move the ball both ways, and his pace. These qualities, combined with a lethal slower ball, make him a challenging proposition for any batsman. What stands out in Maxwell’s comments is the emphasis on Bumrah’s ability to affect matches and dominate with his skill, even if his career tally of wickets doesn’t necessarily tell the full story. It’s this “incredibly difficult” nature of facing him that places him in the conversation for the best fast bowler of all time.
Bumrah’s consistency, versatility, and mental toughness—especially in high-pressure situations—have made him a key figure in Indian cricket. His leadership in Perth, where he not only led the team but also delivered with the ball to secure a dominant win, shows his all-round capabilities. To see Bumrah at the top of the ICC rankings ahead of other elite pacers like Kagiso Rabada and Josh Hazlewood further underscores his exceptional standing in world cricket.
In terms of comparisons to all-time greats like Glenn McGrath, Dale Steyn, or Wasim Akram, Maxwell’s comments signal that Bumrah’s impact might be just as significant, even if his career is still unfolding. The combination of his skill set and match-winning performances suggests he’s a player who could define the fast bowling legacy for years to come.