Jasprit Bumrah Named ICC Men’s Test Cricketer of the Year 2024

Jasprit Bumrah Named ICC Men’s Test Cricketer of the Year 2024

Jasprit Bumrah, in a phenomenal show of skill and dominance, has been voted the ICC Men's Test Cricketer of the Year for 2024. Bumrah had a year to remember and the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) took to social media to announce that 2024 marks Bumrah's most productive year in terms of wicket-taking in Test Cricket.

Overall, Bumrah ended the year as the leading wicket-taker in Test cricket, with 71 wickets at an incredible average of 14.92 in 26 innings. Not only does he have an outstanding bowling strike rate of 30.10, he has also proven to be one of the most effective and efficient bowlers on a cricket field. It also makes him, by the end of this performance, one of the ten highest wicket-takers by a seamer in Tests in a calendar year. This is Sports breaking News for millions of Cricket lovers around the world.

What is Test Cricket?

Test cricket is the longest format of the game, traditionally played over five days between two teams, each consisting of eleven players. Unlike limited-overs formats such as One Day Internationals (ODIs) and Twenty20 (T20) matches, which have strict overs limits and often result in high-scoring games, Test cricket allows for a more strategic and nuanced approach to batting and bowling. 

Each team has two innings and matches can result in a win, loss or draw based on a number of factors such as the weather and pitch behaviour.

The endurance, technique and tactical elements are more pronounced here, compared to shorter formats where scoring quickly leads to more one-sided results.

Why Test Cricket is Real Cricket:

Many Cricket fans debate Test cricket to be the pinnacle of the game. Over a prolonged period of time, it is an examination of skill, patience and mental fortitude. Players must adapt to changing conditions and various challenges. The format lends itself to a deeper narrative unfolding over the course of the match, during which the tide can turn dramatically across multiple sessions.

Unlike its limited-overs brethren, which can sometimes seem frenetic or rely more on power hitting, Test cricket involves a classic set of skills — different kinds of swing bowling, twisting spin deliveries, defensive strokes. This breadth and depth makes it truly "real cricket" as every ball bowled can mean the difference between winning and losing, making an enticing spectacle for every player and fan of the game.

Which are the Test Playing Countries:

As of 2025 January, there are twelve countries that have received Test status from the International Cricket Council (ICC). These countries include Australia, England, South Africa, West Indies, New Zealand, India, Pakistan, Sri Lanka, Zimbabwe, and Bangladesh, Ireland, and Afghanistan.

One of the most notable formats of cricket is test cricket which serves as the zenith of the game, with a rich history having been played since the inaugural match from 1877, between Australia and England. All of these countries have contributed tremendously to the sport over the decades and you can always count on the talent and skill of these countries.

Historical Context:

When you consider Bumrah's accomplishments, he is already ranked among some of the best fast bowlers of all time. The famous Australian fast bowler Dennis Lillee's total of 85 wickets in a year (1981) with an average of 20.95 remains the most by any pacer in a year. Only South African legend Alan Donald has more packets than Lee in a single year, with 80 wickets in 1988 at 19.63.

Bumrah's performance is great statistically, but it is also historical in the context of the game itself. As such figures, his wicket-taking ability combined with his low average means he is a complete game-changer in the world of Test cricket.

Competitive Landscape:

In 2024, Bumrah was far ahead of his closest competitor, England's Gus Atkinson, who finished with 52 wickets in 21 innings. Following him were Shoaib Bashir, who debuted this year and claimed 49 wickets, and both Matt Henry and Ravindra Jadeja, who shared fourth place with 48 wickets each.

Bumrah's nomination for the ICC Cricketer of the Year award alongside prominent players like Joe Root, Harry Brook, and Travis Head highlights his exceptional contributions to the sport during this period.

This accolade not only cements Jasprit Bumrah's place among cricketing greats but also serves as an inspiration for aspiring cricketers worldwide. His journey exemplifies dedication, hard work, and unparalleled talent in the realm of international cricket.

We have covered some popular articles about Jasprit Bumrah's Captaincy in Australia and his extraordinary talents in fast bowing. You read here and here

For more details on this achievement and Bumrah's performance statistics, you can read the full article on Live Mint.