As India Gears Up For Boxing Day Test, Bumrah, Jadeja To Continue Milestone Hunt At Melbourne

December 25, 2024: As India gears up for the crucial fourth Test of the Border-Gavaskar Trophy (BGT) 2024-25 at the Melbourne Cricket Ground (MCG), two key players—Jasprit Bumrah and Ravindra Jadeja—are not only focused on the team’s success but also closing in on significant individual milestones in international cricket.

Jasprit Bumrah: Chasing 200 Test Wickets

Indian pace spearhead Jasprit Bumrah is just six wickets away from achieving the remarkable milestone of 200 Test wickets. Currently with 194 wickets in 43 Test matches at an outstanding average of 19.52, Bumrah has established himself as one of the most lethal pacers in world cricket. His best bowling figures of 6/27 and 12 five-wicket hauls attest to his ability to turn matches with his deadly pace and precision.

Bumrah has been in exceptional form throughout this series against Australia, leading the wicket tally with 21 wickets in just three matches at an astonishing average of 10.90. His best figures so far in the series are 6/76, and he has picked up two five-wicket hauls. Against Australia, Bumrah has been especially effective, taking 53 wickets in 10 Tests at an average of 17.15. His best figures of 6/33 against the Australians underline his mastery over their batting lineup. As he nears the 200-wicket mark, Bumrah has the chance to join an elite group of Indian bowlers, further cementing his place as one of the all-time greats in Test cricket.

Ravindra Jadeja: On the Verge of 600 International Wickets

Meanwhile, Ravindra Jadeja, one of the best all-rounders in world cricket, is just seven wickets away from reaching the coveted milestone of 600 international wickets. In 349 international matches, Jadeja has claimed 593 wickets at an average of 29.04, with 17 five-wicket hauls to his name and best figures of 7/42.

While Jadeja hasn’t taken any wickets so far in the ongoing series against Australia, his overall record against them is exceptional. In 18 Tests against Australia, he has taken 89 wickets at an average of 20.35, with five five-wicket hauls and a 10-wicket match haul. His ability to bowl tight, accurate spells and take wickets at crucial moments has been instrumental in India’s success, especially on foreign soil.

The 600-wicket milestone would make Jadeja only the fifth Indian bowler to achieve this feat, following in the footsteps of legends like Kapil Dev, Anil Kumble, Harbhajan Singh, and Zaheer Khan. Jadeja’s all-around contributions with the bat and ball have made him an invaluable player for India, and this milestone would further highlight his extraordinary impact on the game.

With the series tied at 1-1, the Boxing Day Test at the MCG is pivotal for both teams. India will be looking to secure a lead in the series to push their case for a spot in the ICC World Test Championship final. For Bumrah and Jadeja, their individual milestones provide an added motivation to perform at their best and help India claim a vital win.

Both players have been key to India’s success in recent years, and their performances in the MCG Test will be crucial in determining the outcome of the series. As Bumrah continues his pursuit of 200 wickets and Jadeja eyes his 600th, the stakes have never been higher for these two champions to make history and help India take a decisive step toward a series victory.

With both players in fine form and chasing these major milestones, fans can expect nothing short of a thrilling contest at the MCG, as Bumrah and Jadeja seek to make their mark while pushing India towards another series triumph against Australia.