Jasprit Bumrah was crowned like a king by the Australian captain. given the highest honor in cricket

Former Australia captain Michael Clarke has hailed Jasprit Bumrah as the greatest fast bowler of all formats in history after his outstanding performance in the 2024-25 Border-Gavaskar Trophy, ignoring his former teammate and pace bowling legend Glenn McGrath.

Jasprit Bumrah took 32 wickets at an impressive average of 13.06, displaying his lethal skills throughout the five-match Test series and winning 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 of the final Test at the Sydney Cricket Ground (SCG).

Michael Clarke hails Jasprit Bumrah as the best bowler of 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 pace bowler in Australia, set in 1911-12. Meanwhile, Michael Clarke has hailed Jasprit Bumrah as the best fast bowler of all time in all three formats of the game, overlooking legends like Curtly Ambrose and Glenn McGrath.

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Reflecting on Bumrah’s remarkable performances in the 2024-25 Border-Gavaskar Trophy, Clarke pointed out that legends like Curtly Ambrose and Glenn McGrath were outstanding but did not play T20 cricket and that’s 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 all three formats of the game, regardless of the conditions, and called him a “freak” bowler. His versatility and consistency across all formats make him a unique talent, which is why Clarke hailed the Indian pacer as one of the best fast bowlers of all time.

This guy is a freak: Michael Clarke to Jasprit Bumrah

Michael Clarke told ESPN’s Around The Wicket: “What I thought about Bumrah after the series was over and I was sitting and thinking about his performances, I actually think he’s the best fast bowler in all three formats.

I know a lot of great fast 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 has played all three formats, I think he might be the best ever. He really is that good under any circumstances. That’s what makes him great: any conditions, any format – this guy is a freak.”

Meanwhile, India were bowled out for just 157 runs in the second innings and Australia chased down a target of 162 runs in just 27 overs to win the New Year Test by six wickets at the SCG and lift the prestigious Border-Gavaskar Trophy after a decade. However, Bumrah could bowl during Australia’s chase.

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Michael Clarke says Jasprit Bumrah’s absence cost India the Sydney Test

However, Michael Clarke believes India trailed 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 tables in the New Year Tests at the SCG against Australia.

Clarke signed off by saying: “I reckon India were probably 20 runs down (in Sydney). I reckon a lead of 180, with Bumrah in the team, I think India are home. I think Bumrah is so good… He is much better than the other bowlers they had in the team.”