Melbourne (TIP)- Jasprit Bumrah delivered another bowling masterclass, securing his 13th five-wicket haul in Test cricket as India bowled out Australia for 228 on Day 5 of the Boxing Day Test at the iconic Melbourne Cricket Ground (MCG). Starting the day with the challenging task of breaking Australia’s stubborn resistance, Bumrah wasted no time. In just four deliveries, he dismissed Nathan Lyon, ending Australia’s second innings at 234. This left the hosts setting India a target of 340 runs for victory.
Bumrah returned with impressive figures of 5 for 57 from 24.4 overs, delivering an exhausting yet immensely rewarding performance. This effort marked a career-high workload, as he bowled an incredible 53.2 overs in the ongoing Boxing Day Test at the MCG, the most he has bowled in his career.
Bumrah’s dominance at the MCG is nothing short of phenomenal. With 24 wickets across six matches at a staggering average of 14.66 and a strike rate of 32.7, he has been the backbone of India’s success at the MCG. His latest five-wicket haul adds to a glittering resume that includes standout figures such as 6/33, 3/53, 4/56, 2/54, 4/99, and 5/57. This sustained brilliance not only underscores his mastery of the craft but also establishes him as one of the finest modern-day performers on cricket’s biggest stage.
Australia’s innings began without fireworks as debutant Sam Konstas (8) fell early to Bumrah. Marnus Labuschagne stood firm with a gritty 70, but his dismissal triggered a dramatic collapse. From a steady 80/2, Australia slumped to 91/6, undone by India’s relentless pace attack. Pat Cummins fought valiantly with a defiant 41, supported by a frustrating final-wicket stand between Scott Boland and Nathan Lyon, which extended Australia’s lead to over 325. However, Bumrah’s precision ensured there was no escape for Australia.
It has become crystal clear over the last few years that Jasprit Bumrah would end up as one of the best fast bowlers the game has ever seen. On Sunday, at the Melbourne Cricket Ground, he firmed up the general perception further with a tangible statistical milestone — the Indian pacer became the first bowler ever in Test cricket to claim 200 wickets at an average of under 20. He has picked up 200 Test scalps giving just 19.38 runs per wicket. If that doesn’t sound impressive enough, just look at the names that follow him on the list of fast bowlers having the lowest Test averages — the great Malcolm Marshall (20.94), Joel Garner (20.97) and Curtly Ambrose (20.99).
Ahead of the Australia series, Bumrah had done enough to establish himself as a modern day great. With his breathtaking performance in this series, he has taken giant strides towards cementing his place in the league of all-time great fast bowlers. Out of the total 56 Australian wickets that have fallen so far in four Test matches, Bumrah has picked up 29, more than 50 per cent, at a strike rate of 29.10 and an average of 13.24. Bumrah has single-handedly kept India alive in the series, as far as bowling is concerned.