Australian bowling legend Glenn McGrath lauded Indian pacer Jasprit Bumrah for his crucial role in the ongoing five-match Test series between the two teams. Glenn McGrath said that the Border-Gavaskar Trophy (BGT) 2024-25 series might have been heavily one-sided in favor of Australia without Jasprit Bumrah.
Team India suffered an 184-run defeat in the fourth Test match against Australia at the Melbourne Cricket Ground (MCG). The Indian team was bowled out for 155 runs on the final day while chasing a target of 340 runs. After winning the series opener in Perth, the Men in Blue lost two Tests in the next three games.
Jasprit Bumrah Has Been the Standout Bowler for India in BGT 2024-25
Jasprit Bumrah has been the standout bowler for India in the Border-Gavaskar Trophy 2024-25. He has taken 30 wickets in four Tests at an exceptional average of 12.83, including three five-wicket hauls and two four-wicket hauls. Even in the Boxing Day Test, the pace bowler registered figures of 4-99 and 5-57.
Bumrah has outperformed all other bowlers, including Pat Cummins, who has taken 20 wickets. However, other Indian players, both bowlers and batsmen, have failed to provide enough support, leaving India trailing 1-2 in the five-match series. Bumrah is the leading wicket-taker in the ongoing Test series.
Jasprit Bumrah Has Been a Massive Part of the Indian Team – Glenn McGrath
Glenn McGrath recently said that Bumrah is a special player who has found a way to adapt, noting his impressive ability to bowl with intensity, particularly in the final few steps. McGrath referred to him as a “terrific young guy” and highlighted his significant impact on the Indian team.
“He has been a massive part of the Indian team and without him, the series might have been more one-sided and what he does is special. Terrific young guy who has found a way to adapt. Absolutely incredible how he powers into bowl the last few steps,” McGrath was quoted as saying by PTI.
I am a massive fan of Jasprit – Glenn McGrath
Further speaking ahead, Glenn McGrath compared Bumrah’s hyperextension of the arm to his own. He noted that Bumrah has impressive control over the ball, stating that he is a big fan of the Indian bowler.
“Got a little bit of hyperextension which I used to have as well. He is coping with it and has incredible control both ways, guess they are managing him well. I am a massive fan of Jasprit,” he added.
Jasprit Bumrah had an exceptional 2024, finishing as the highest wicket-taker in Tests with 71 wickets from 13 matches at an average of 14.92, including five five-wicket hauls. He has the best bowling average among bowlers with over 200 wickets.
As the 31-year-old looks to maintain his form in 2025, he will play a crucial role in helping India level the ongoing series 2-2 by winning the fifth Test in Sydney. With both the Border-Gavaskar Trophy and the World Test Championship final at stake, the Indian team has significant pressure to perform.
Also read: Harsha Bhogle picks T20 Team of the Year 2024, snubs Rohit Sharma, Suryakumar Yadav