Jasprit Bumrah Surpasses Wasim Akram to Become Highest Wicket-Taking Asian Bowler in SENA Tests

Bumrah’s fiery spell in Leeds sees him claim 147 wickets in SENA nations, overtaking Pakistani legend Wasim Akram’s long-standing record during England’s first innings in the Headingley Test.

Leeds [UK], June 22: Jasprit Bumrah etched his name into the record books on Day 2 of the Leeds Test, surpassing the iconic Wasim Akram to become the highest wicket-taking Asian fast bowler in South Africa, England, New Zealand, and Australia (SENA) conditions. The Indian pace spearhead achieved this milestone in style by breaking a crucial 122-run partnership between Ben Duckett and Ollie Pope, clean bowling Duckett and adding to his tally after dismissing Zak Crawley earlier in the innings.

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With his latest performance at Headingley, Bumrah now has 147 wickets in 32 Tests across SENA, eclipsing Akram’s record of 146 wickets in the same number of matches. Bumrah’s consistency is reflected in his remarkable average of 21.03 and best figures of 6/33, along with nine five-wicket hauls in these challenging overseas conditions.

In comparison, Wasim Akram’s 146 wickets came at an average of 24.11, with best figures of 7/119, including 11 five-wicket hauls and three ten-wicket match hauls — a legendary benchmark that Bumrah has now overtaken.

Among all the SENA nations, Australia has been Bumrah’s most successful hunting ground, where he has picked 64 wickets in just 12 matches at a staggering average of 17.15. In England — where he’s currently playing — the right-arm pacer has claimed 39 wickets in 10 matches at an average of 26.02, including two five-wicket hauls and best figures of 5/64.

Match Context:
India had earlier posted a mammoth 471 runs in their first innings, riding on commanding centuries from Yashasvi Jaiswal (101), Shubman Gill (147), and Rishabh Pant (134). England’s Ben Stokes (4/66) and Josh Tongue (4/86) were the standout bowlers for the hosts.

As England responded with the bat, they ended the second session at 107/1, trailing India by 364 runs. Bumrah’s strikes, including the key dismissal of Duckett (62), have already started tilting momentum in India’s favor.