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Michael Clarke reckons that Jasprit Bumrah is the greatest fast-bowler across all three formats in the modern era.
Jasprit Bumrah was India’s top performer on the Australia tour. (AP Photo)
The former Australian captain, Michael Clarke deemed Jasprit Bumrah as the greatest fast-bowler in all formats after his stellar display in the recently concluded Border-Gavaskar Trophy despite India suffering a 1-3 series defeat to Australia.
The Indian pace spearhead had put up one of the best performances by an overseas pacer Down Under after he finished the series with 32 wickets from the five Test matches.
“The thing I’ve thought about Bumrah, after the series finished and I was sitting and thinking about his performances, I actually think he’s the best fast bowler ever across all three formats,” Clarke told ESPN.
When making the comparison, he acknowledged some of the legendary pacers of the past but felt that they did not get to play T20 Cricket in its present form. Clarke feels that Bumrah is one that can deliver across any conditions as well.
“I know a lot of great fast bowlers, Curtly Ambrose, Glenn McGrath, didn’t get to play T20 cricket, so I’m not talking about those guys, but in regards to anyone who has played all three formats, I think he might be the best ever,” he commented.
“He’s actually that good in any conditions, that’s what makes him great; any conditions, any format, this guy’s a freak,” he added.
Reflecting on the fifth and final Test that took place in Sydney, the former Aussie skipper reckons that India could have won that game only if they had Bumrah and had scored some more runs with the bat.
Unfortunately for the visitors, Bumrah picked up an injury during the second day’s play and was taken to the hospital for scans. He had returned to bat the next day but did not bowl in the final innings due to a back spasm as the hosts went on to win the series.
“I reckon India were probably 20 runs short (in Sydney),” Clarke said.
“I reckon a 180 lead, with Bumrah in the team, I think India are home. I think Bumrah is that good… he’s so much better than the other bowlers they had in the team.”
Bumrah was in a league of his own as his 32 wickets came at an incredible average of 13.06 and a strike rate of 28.3.
Mohammed Siraj was the next highest wicket-taker among Indian pacers with 20 scalps at 31.15.
(with PTI Inputs)