Former Australia captain Michael Clarke has hailed Jasprit Bumrah as the best all-format fast bowler in history after his outstanding performance in the Border-Gavaskar Trophy 2024-2025, eclipsing former teammate and pace bowling legend Glenn McGrath.
Jasprit Bumrah showcased his lethal skills throughout the five-match Test series, scoring 32 wickets at an impressive average of 13.06 and winning the Player of the Series award. However, the Indian all-rounder’s tournament came to an inauspicious halt when he suffered an injury during his first innings in the final Test at the Sydney Cricket Ground (SCG) in Australia.
Michael Clarke hails Jasprit Bumrah as the greatest all-format bowler not looking at legends like Glenn McGrath.
Bumrah was just two wickets shy of equaling Sydney Barnes’ record of 34 wickets in a Test series by a bowler who toured Australia in 1911-12. Meanwhile, Michael Clarke hailed Jasprit Bumrah as the greatest fast bowler in all three formats of the game, overshadowing legends like Curtly Ambrose and Glenn McGrath.
Reflecting on Bumrah’s remarkable performances in the Border-Gavaskar Trophy 2024-25, Clarke noted that legends like Kurtley Ambrose and Glenn McGrath were exceptional, but they didn’t play T20 cricket and therefore felt Bumrah was better than before. Legends of Australia and the West Indies.
According to the former Australian captain, Bumrah is known for his ability to dominate all three formats of the game regardless of the conditions, calling him a “strange” bowler. His versatility and consistency across formats make him a unique talent, which is why Clarke rated the Indian pacer as one of the fastest bowlers of all time.
This man is a freak: Michael Clarke on Jasprit Bumrah
Michael Clarke said on ESPN’s Around The Wicket: “What I think about Bumrah after the series is over and I sit back and think about his performances, I think he’s the best fast bowler ever in all three formats.
I know a lot of great fast bowlers, Curtly Ambrose and Glenn McGrath; they didn’t get to play T20 cricket, so I’m not talking about those guys, but as far as anyone who has played all three formats, he might be the best player ever. He’s actually that good in any setting; That’s what makes him great: any situation, any format – this guy is brave.”
Meanwhile, India were bowled out for just 157 runs in the second innings and Australia chased down a target of 162 runs in just 27 runs to win the New Year’s Test by six wickets at the SCG and lift the prestigious Border-Gavaskar Trophy. decade. However, Bumrah managed to bowl during Australia’s chase.
Also Read: ‘Don’t kill the golden goose’: Jasprit Bumrah quits India captaincy as Ajit Agarkar warns
Jasprit Bumrah’s absence cost India the Sydney Test, says Michael Clarke
However, Michael Clarke reckons that India are about 20 runs behind in Sydney and says that with 180 runs in the team and Jasprit Bumrah, India will win the final Test. He called Bumrah a game-changer who could turn the tables in the New Year Test against Australia at the SCG.
Clarke signed off by saying, “I think India were probably 20 runs short (in Sydney). I think 180 is the leader, with Bumrah in the team, I think India is home. I think Bumrah is so good… He is much better than other bowlers in the team.”
