Former Australia captain Michael Clarke has hailed Jasprit Bumrah as the best all-format fast bowler in history after his stellar performance in the 2024-25 Border-Gavaskar Trophy, towering above his former teammate and bowling legend Glenn McGrath.
Jasprit Bumrah took 32 wickets at an impressive average of 13.06, displaying his lethal skills throughout the five-match Test series and winning the Player of the Series award. However, the Indian pacer’s tournament unfortunately came to an end when he suffered an injury during Australia’s first innings in the final Test at the Sydney Cricket Ground (SCG).
Michael Clarke hails Jasprit Bumrah as greatest bowler in all formats, towering over legends like Glenn McGrath
Bumrah finished just two wickets short of equaling Sydney Barnes’ record of 34 wickets in a Test series by a bowler touring Australia, in 1911-12. Meanwhile, Michael Clarke hailed Jasprit Bumrah as the greatest fast bowler of all time in all three formats of the game, ignoring legends like Curtly Ambrose and Glenn McGrath.
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Reflecting on Bumrah’s remarkable performances in the 2024-25 Border-Gavaskar Trophy, Clarke pointed out that legends like Curtly Ambrose and Glenn McGrath were exceptional, but they didn’t play T20 cricket, and that’s why he thinks Bumrah is much better than the old one. Legends of Australia and the West Indies.
According to the former Australian skipper, Bumrah stands out for his ability to dominate in all three formats of the game, irrespective of the conditions, and called him a “monster” bowler. His versatility and consistency across formats makes him a unique talent, and that is why Clarke honored the Indian pacer as one of the greatest fast bowlers of all time.
This guy is a monster: Michael Clarke on Jasprit Bumrah
Michael Clarke said on ESPN’s Around The Wicket: “What I thought about Bumrah after the show ended and I was sitting and thinking about his performances, I actually think he’s the best All-time fast bowler 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 everyone who played all three formats goes, I think he might be the best of all time. It’s actually equally good in all conditions; that’s what makes him great: in all conditions, in all formats, this guy is a monster.
Meanwhile, India were bowled out for just 157 runs in the second innings, and Australia reached the target of 162 runs in just 27 overs to win the New Year’s Test by six wickets at the SCG and win the prestigious Border-Gavaskar trophy after a decade. However, Bumrah could play during Australia’s chase.
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Michael Clarke says Jasprit Bumrah’s absence cost India in Sydney Test
However, Michael Clarke believes that India lost around 20 runs in Sydney, saying that with a 180-run lead and Jasprit Bumrah in the team, India would probably have won the final Test. He called Bumrah a game changer, who could have turned things around in the New Year Test at the SCG against Australia.
Clarke finished by saying: “I think India were probably 20 runs short. [in Sydney]. I estimate a lead of 180, with Bumrah in the team, I think India is home. I think Bumrah is so good… He is so much better than the other bowlers they had in the team.
