December 31, 2024: Jasprit Bumrah and Nitish Kumar Reddy have etched their names on the prestigious Melbourne Cricket Ground (MCG) Honours Board, following their exceptional performances in the fourth Border-Gavaskar Test. This recognition places them among an elite group of cricketers who have left their mark on one of the most iconic cricket venues in the world.
Jasprit Bumrah, India’s vice-captain and spearhead of the pace attack, earned his spot on the Honours Board with a magnificent five-wicket haul in Australia’s second innings. This was Bumrah’s second five-wicket haul at the MCG, making him the only visiting bowler to achieve such a feat in the last 15 years. His spell of 5/57 was crucial in keeping India in the contest, as he restricted the Australian batting lineup and showcased his skill, precision, and ability to bowl under pressure. Bumrah’s remarkable performance was pivotal in India’s efforts to push for victory, though Australia ultimately clinched a commanding 184-run victory.
Bumrah’s remarkable consistency in the series has been evident, with his 30 wickets at an impressive average of 12.83 standing in stark contrast to the rest of the Indian bowling attack, which has averaged 41.33. Throughout the series, Bumrah has been a workhorse, and in the Melbourne Test, he bowled a total of 53.2 overs, the most he has ever bowled in a Test match, further solidifying his role as India’s go-to bowler in the longest format.
Joining Bumrah on the MCG Honours Board is Nitish Kumar Reddy, who scored a maiden Test century in a remarkable innings that helped India recover from a precarious position. Reddy’s composed knock of 114 off 189 balls came when India was struggling at 191 for 6 in their first innings, staring down the barrel of a potential follow-on. His century was instrumental in shortening the deficit and giving India hope in the match, despite the eventual defeat. Reddy’s calm and mature batting display earned him widespread praise, and his name on the Honours Board is a well-deserved recognition of his talent.
The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) celebrated the achievements of both players with a post on their official X handle, stating, “Magnificent 5-wicket haul. Special Maiden 100. Vice-Captain Jasprit Bumrah and Nitish Kumar Reddy’s names are etched on the Honours Board of Melbourne Cricket Ground.“
Despite India’s 184-run defeat in the match, the individual brilliance of Bumrah and Reddy has provided a silver lining. The Melbourne Test saw Australia set a target of 340 runs, but India was bowled out for 155 on the final day, with fiery spells from the Australian bowling attack, led by Pat Cummins, who was named Player of the Match for his outstanding contribution with both bat and ball.
This victory handed Australia a 2-1 series lead, effectively ending India’s hopes of qualifying for the World Test Championship (WTC) Final at Lord’s next year. The Border-Gavaskar Trophy now heads into its final stages, with Australia in control and poised to clinch the series.
For Jasprit Bumrah, the recognition on the MCG Honours Board is a fitting tribute to his outstanding career, while Nitish Kumar Reddy’s maiden century is a sign of the young batsman’s bright future in Indian cricket.
