Tue Jan 28 03:32:09 IST 2025: **Jasprit Bumrah Crowned ICC Men’s Test Cricketer of the Year**
Dubai, UAE – Indian fast bowler Jasprit Bumrah has been named the International Cricket Council’s (ICC) Men’s Test Cricketer of the Year for 2024. The award recognizes Bumrah’s exceptional performance throughout the year, where he claimed an astounding 71 wickets in just 13 matches at a remarkable average of 14.92.
Bumrah’s achievement is even more impressive considering his return from a back injury late in 2023. His exceptional bowling was crucial in keeping India competitive in the ICC World Test Championship, although the team ultimately fell short of the title. The ICC lauded Bumrah as the “standout bowler in the world in 2024,” highlighting his consistent excellence in both home and away matches.
The award marks Bumrah’s first ICC Test Cricketer of the Year accolade, and the first for an Indian player since Virat Kohli in 2018. He beat out fellow nominees Harry Brook and Joe Root from England, and Kamindu Mendis, the ICC’s Emerging Cricketer of the Year.
Bumrah expressed his gratitude for the award, emphasizing the role of his teammates, coaches, and fans in his success. He also noted that representing India and bringing joy to his countrymen is a significant source of pride.
Bumrah’s outstanding year also saw him named in the ICC Men’s Test Team of the Year and he remains in contention for the Sir Garfield Sobers Trophy for the overall men’s Cricketer of the Year, to be announced on Tuesday. His contributions were instrumental in India’s series victories against England and Bangladesh, and he performed admirably in away matches against South Africa and Australia. His 357 overs bowled throughout the year, maintained a phenomenal economy rate of 2.96, a rare feat in the modern, high-scoring era of Test cricket. He is also only the fourth Indian bowler to take more than 70 Test wickets in a calendar year, and across Test history, no bowler with 70+ wickets in a year has achieved such a low average.
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