India’s speedster Jasprit Bumrah continues to redefine greatness. Former Australian captain Ricky Ponting has labelled him the “best fast bowler in all formats” after his scintillating performance against Australia in Perth. Bumrah, leading an inexperienced bowling unit, delivered a match-winning eight-wicket haul.
Ponting Heaps Praises on Jasprit Bumrah
Ponting, speaking on the ICC Review, did not hold back in praising Bumrah for his ability to lead by example under pressure.
“It was so important for the captain to stand up,” Ponting said. “He showed why he’s clearly the best fast bowler in the world across formats.”
After India was bundled out for just 150 on the opening day, Bumrah took centre stage, ripping through Australia’s top order. His early strikes left the hosts reeling at 19/3, dismissing Nathan McSweeney, Usman Khawaja, and Steven Smith within seven overs.
“What he did there, not only in the first innings but for that entire game – his pace, his consistency, his ability to move the ball, his ability to continually challenge the stumps and hit the stumps, [it] was the difference between him and everyone else that bowled in that game.”, Ponting added.
Ponting Compares Bumrah to Fast Bowling Legends
Ponting compared Bumrah to the likes of Curtly Ambrose and Glenn McGrath of yore, who could establish relentless pressure on the batsman.
“Great fast bowlers make scoring incredibly difficult,” noted Ponting. “With Bumrah, you don’t just face deliveries—you face relentless questions. It makes batting uncomfortable.”
Bumrah’s show against Australia is undeniable. He has taken 40 wickets against the Aussies in just 8 Tests at a mere average of 18.80. This has reignited the tussle over his place among all-time greats of the game.
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Australia’s Glenn Maxwell believes Bumrah may well become the “best fast bowler of all time.” Ponting wasn’t far behind, but he went a step forward by calling him India’s best pacer already.
“Few before him have excelled across all three formats like he has,” Ponting said. “If he maintains this level, people will remember him as one of the finest ever.”
Is Jasprit Bumrah the Greatest Fast Bowler of All Time?
When asked how he’d face Bumrah as a batsman, Ponting laughed and quipped, “I’d charge him every ball, hit him over his head. That’s a joke, of course.”
Switching to a serious tone, he explained the importance of counterattacking against bowlers like Bumrah. “The best batsmen don’t let bowlers dictate terms. It’s about reacting to the ball and staying proactive.”
Bumrah’s success has ignited debate on whether he is the ‘GOAT’ or not. Ponting believes that Bumrah’s consistency across all formats puts him right at the top.
“He’s not just about taking wickets,” Ponting concluded. “He performs at a high level, consistently, over long periods. That’s what makes him special.”
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