Former Australia captain Michael Clarke has hailed Jasprit Bumrah as the best fast bowler in all formats in history after his outstanding performance in the 2024-25 Border-Gavaskar Trophy, overlooking his former teammate and pace bowling legend Glenn McGrath.
Jasprit Bumrah claimed 32 wickets at an impressive average of 13.06, showing his lethal skills throughout the five-match Test series and claiming the Player of the Series award. However, the Indian tour came to an unfortunate halt 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 the greatest bowler across all formats, overlooking legends like Glenn McGrath
Bumrah finished just two wickets short of equaling Sydney Barnes' record of 34 wickets in a Test series by a tour bowler in Australia, set in 1911-12. Meanwhile, Michael Clarke hailed Jasprit Bumrah as the greatest fast bowler in all three formats of the game, overlooking legends like Curtly Ambrose and Glenn McGrath.
Reflecting on Bumrah's outstanding performances in the 2024-25 Border-Gavaskar Trophy, Clarke pointed out that legends like Curtly Ambrose and Glenn McGrath were exceptional but did not play T20 cricket and that is why he believes Bumrah is much better than the former. 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 regardless of the conditions and called him a “freak” bowler. His versatility and consistency across formats make 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's a freak: Michael Clarke on Jasprit Bumrah
Michael Clarke said on ESPN Around The Wicket: “The thing I thought about Bumrah after the series was over and I thought about his performances, I actually think he's the best fast bowler in all three formats.
I know a lot of great 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 anyone who played all three formats, I think he could be the best of all time. He is actually that good in any conditions; that's what makes him great: any conditions, any format – this guy's a freak.”
Meanwhile, India were bowled out for just 157 runs in the second innings and Australia chased down the target of 162 runs in just 27 runs to win the New Year Test by six wickets at the SCG and to lift the prestigious Border-Gavaskar Trophy after a decade. However, Bumrah could bowl during Australia's chase.
Michael Clarke says Jasprit Bumrah's absence cost India the Sydney Test
However, Michael Clarke believes India fell short by 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 the game around in the New Year Test at the SCG against Australia.
Clarke concluded by saying, “I think India were probably 20 points down (in Sydney). I reckon a 180 lead, with Bumrah in the team, I think India are at home. I think Bumrah is so good… He is much better than the other bowlers they have had in the team.”