Former Australia captain Michael Clarke has hailed Jasprit Bumrah as the best all-time fast bowler in history after his outstanding performance in the 2024-25 Border-Gavaskar Trophy, snubbing former teammate and bowling legend Glenn McGrath.
Jasprit Bumrah took 32 wickets at an impressive average of 13.06, showcasing his lethal skills throughout the five-match Test series and was awarded the Player of the Series award. However, the Indian pacer's tournament 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 has hailed Jasprit Bumrah as the greatest bowler across all formats, ignoring legends like Glenn McGrath.
Bumrah finished just two wickets shy of equaling Sidney Barnes' record of 34 wickets in a Test series by a touring bowler to Australia, which dates back to 1911-1912. Meanwhile, Michael Clarke hailed Jasprit Bumrah as the greatest fast bowler ever in all three formats of the game, ignoring legends like Curtly Ambrose and Glenn McGrath.
Looking at Bumrah's impressive performance in the 2024-2025 Border-Gavaskar Trophy, Clarke pointed out that legends like Curtly Ambrose and Glenn McGrath were exceptional, but they did not play T20 cricket, which is why Bumrah feels much better than the former. Legends of Australia and the West Indies.
According to the former Australian captain, Bumrah is distinguished by his ability to control all three forms of the game, regardless of the conditions, and described him as an “obsessive” bowler. His versatility and consistency across formats makes him a unique talent, which is why Clarke honored the Indian pacer as one of the greatest fast bowlers of all time.
That Odd Guy : Michael Clarke in Jasprit Bumrah
“The thing I thought about Bumrah after the series ended and I was sitting and thinking about his performance, I actually think he's the best fast bowler ever in all three formats,” Michael Clarke said on ESPN's About The Wicket.
I know a lot of great fast bowlers, like Curtley Ambrose and Glenn McGrath; They couldn't play T20 cricket, so I'm not talking about those guys, but in terms of anyone who has played all three formats, I think he might be the best ever. It's actually very good in any conditions; That's what makes him great: in any circumstances, in any form, this guy is a freak.
Meanwhile, India were bowled out for just 157 in their second innings, and Australia chased down a target of 162 in just 27 overs to win the New Year's Test by six wickets at the SCG and lift the prestigious Border-Gavaskar Trophy a decade later. However, Bumrah can bowl while chasing Australia.
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 with a 180-run lead and Jasprit Bumrah in the team, India are likely to win the final Test. He described Bumrah as a game-changer who could have turned the tables in the New Year's Test at the SCG against Australia.
“I think India were maybe 20 points away (in Sydney),” Clarke signed off by saying. I think the gap is 180 points, with Bumrah in the team, and I think India is home. I think Bumrah is very good… he is much better than the other bowlers in the team.
