Tue Jan 28 04:48:46 IST 2025: ## Bumrah Bowls His Way to ICC Test Cricketer of the Year
**Mumbai, India** – Jasprit Bumrah has been named the ICC Men’s Test Cricketer of the Year 2024, the BCCI announced on X (formerly Twitter). The Indian fast bowler dominated the rankings, finishing as the leading wicket-taker in Test cricket for the year with an astounding 71 wickets at a remarkable average of 14.92.
Bumrah’s exceptional performance saw him secure a place among the top 10 highest wicket-takers by a pace bowler in a single year, surpassing even legendary names like Dennis Lillee and Alan Donald in terms of bowling average and strike rate. His 71 wickets in 26 innings, achieved with a strike rate of 30.10, were far ahead of his nearest competitor, England pacer Gus Atkinson (52 wickets). England spinner Shoaib Bashir and the duo of Matt Henry and Ravindra Jadeja followed in third and fourth place respectively.
Bumrah’s achievement is particularly impressive given the historical context. While legendary bowlers like Lillee (85 wickets in 1981), Donald (80 wickets in 1988), and Garner (79 wickets in 1984) hold higher overall wicket counts for a single year, Bumrah’s significantly lower bowling average and superior strike rate highlight his exceptional efficiency and dominance in 2024.
The BCCI hailed Bumrah as a “Game Changer,” a testament to his impact on Test cricket this year. He was also nominated for the overall ICC Cricketer of the Year award, alongside Joe Root, Harry Brook, and Travis Head.
First Piper 