Jasprit Bumrah, widely regarded as India’s finest fast bowler, once again proved why he stands at the pinnacle of modern-day pace bowling. Currently leading the ICC Test bowler’s rankings, the 31 years old pacer from Ahmedabad delivered a sensational performance on July 11 at Lord’s, further solidifying his dominance in the longest format of the game.
After taking a wicket on Thursday, Jasprit Bumrah came roaring back on Friday, dismantling England’s batting lineup with precision and aggression. He started by removing England’s captain Ben Stokes for 44 and returned in his very next over to dismiss Joe Root who had just completed a magnificent century, followed immediately by Chris Woakes for a golden duck. His rhythm continued into the second session where he breached Jofra Archer’s defence to complete his maiden five-wicket haul at Lord’s.
Jasprit Bumrah’s final figures of 5 for 74 from 27 overs not only highlighted his effectiveness but also etched his name into the record books. This performance marked his 12th five-wicket haul in the World Test Championship (WTC), making him the most successful Indian in that regard. He overtook Ravichandran Ashwin who had claimed 11 fifers in 41 WTC matches between 2019 and 2024. Bumrah, impressively, achieved the feat in just 37 matches.
His latest performance also placed him ahead of Australia’s Pat Cummins and Nathan Lyon, who each have 10 five-wicket hauls in WTC matches. Notably, Jasprit Bumrah had equalled Ashwin’s WTC record just weeks earlier during the Leeds Test, where he picked up 5 for 83 in the first innings.
Beyond WTC accomplishments, Jasprit Bumrah’s impact in SENA (South Africa, England, New Zealand and Australia) countries has also reached historic proportions. With his latest fifer at Lord’s, he now has 11 five-wicket hauls in these challenging overseas conditions, matching the legendary Wasim Akram’s tally. Among all Asian bowlers, no one has more.
Wasim Akram, over the span of his 17-year Test career, played 32 matches in SENA nations and claimed 146 wickets. Bumrah, who has featured in 33 such Tests so far, has already taken 155 wickets, surpassing the Pakistani great in total scalps and equalling him in five-wicket hauls, a testament to his consistency and mastery away from home.
As the third Test continues, Bumrah’s spell at Lord’s stands not only as a turning point in the match but also as another milestone in a career that continues to redefine the art of fast bowling for India.
