Ponting Claims Bumrah's Performance is the Greatest Fast Bowling Series Ever
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Sydney, Jan 5 (NationPress) In the wake of India's defeat in the Border-Gavaskar Trophy by a score of 1-3, Ricky Ponting, an ICC Hall of Famer, is of the opinion that Jasprit Bumrah’s remarkable performances represent not only the finest fast bowling he’s observed from a visiting bowler in Australia but could also be the most outstanding fast-bowling exhibition ever.
The 31-year-old Indian pacer was named Player of the Series for his unwavering bowling that consistently challenged the Australian batsmen. Bumrah concluded the five-Test series as the leading wicket-taker, amassing an impressive total of 32 wickets.
Throughout his legendary performance, Bumrah surpassed former Indian captain Kapil Dev to establish the record for the most Test wickets by an Indian in Australia, achieving 64 wickets at an average of 17.15 compared to Kapil’s 51 at 24.58.
"Absolutely, it’s likely the best series of fast bowling I’ve ever witnessed. They certainly had favorable conditions for fast bowlers throughout this series. However, when you observe him (Bumrah) bowl in comparison to the others in the series, he made batting appear significantly more challenging,” Ponting was quoted as saying on Sunday.
“The Australian top order showcases considerable batting talent, but he made them look foolish at various times,” he added.
Bumrah also surpassed Bishen Singh Bedi's previous record of 31 wickets, becoming India’s leading wicket-taker in a Test series held in Australia. Despite his outstanding performance, he was unable to bowl in Australia’s second innings after he had to leave the field on Day 2 for scans due to back spasms.
“It's a bit frustrating, but at times you must listen to your body, and you can’t battle against it. Sometimes you have to accept it. I would have loved to bowl on what was arguably the most exciting wicket of the series. I just felt a little discomfort after the first innings,” Bumrah remarked during the post-match presentation.
