emirates7 - Jasprit Bumrah was named the ICC Men's Test Cricketer of the Year for 2024, following an exceptional performance in the red-ball format, the International Cricket Council (ICC) announced on Monday.
The 31-year-old pace bowler led the wicket-taking charts in Test cricket last year, claiming 71 wickets from 13 matches—19 more than second-placed Gus Atkinson of England, who played 11 matches. This impressive feat came after Bumrah made his return from a back injury in late 2023.
Despite India's defeat in the Border–Gavaskar Trophy series in Australia, Bumrah ended the five-match series, which wrapped up in early January, with 32 wickets at an outstanding average of 13.06, earning him the Player of the Series award.
The ICC noted that Bumrah's average of 14.92 across the year and his strike rate of just 30.1 were remarkable. "Among the 17 bowlers who have taken 70+ wickets in a calendar year, none have done so with an average as low as Bumrah's," the statement added.
Bumrah triumphed over England's Harry Brook and Joe Root, as well as Sri Lanka's Kamindu Mendis, to win the prestigious award. The last Indian cricketer to win the title was Virat Kohli in 2018.
Bumrah expressed his gratitude, saying, "I am deeply honoured to receive the ICC Men's Test Cricketer of the Year award. Test cricket has always been a format I hold close to my heart, and to be recognised on this platform is truly special."
He further acknowledged his team's support, adding, "This award is not just a reflection of my individual efforts but also of the unwavering support of my teammates, coaches, and fans who continue to believe and inspire me every day."
"Representing India is a privilege I deeply cherish, and knowing my efforts bring smiles to people around the world makes this journey even more special," Bumrah concluded.
The 31-year-old pace bowler led the wicket-taking charts in Test cricket last year, claiming 71 wickets from 13 matches—19 more than second-placed Gus Atkinson of England, who played 11 matches. This impressive feat came after Bumrah made his return from a back injury in late 2023.
Despite India's defeat in the Border–Gavaskar Trophy series in Australia, Bumrah ended the five-match series, which wrapped up in early January, with 32 wickets at an outstanding average of 13.06, earning him the Player of the Series award.
The ICC noted that Bumrah's average of 14.92 across the year and his strike rate of just 30.1 were remarkable. "Among the 17 bowlers who have taken 70+ wickets in a calendar year, none have done so with an average as low as Bumrah's," the statement added.
Bumrah triumphed over England's Harry Brook and Joe Root, as well as Sri Lanka's Kamindu Mendis, to win the prestigious award. The last Indian cricketer to win the title was Virat Kohli in 2018.
Bumrah expressed his gratitude, saying, "I am deeply honoured to receive the ICC Men's Test Cricketer of the Year award. Test cricket has always been a format I hold close to my heart, and to be recognised on this platform is truly special."
He further acknowledged his team's support, adding, "This award is not just a reflection of my individual efforts but also of the unwavering support of my teammates, coaches, and fans who continue to believe and inspire me every day."
"Representing India is a privilege I deeply cherish, and knowing my efforts bring smiles to people around the world makes this journey even more special," Bumrah concluded.