India’s premier fast bowler Jasprit Bumrah has been nominated for the prestigious ICC Test Cricketer of the Year award, alongside England’s Joe Root, Harry Brook, and Sri Lanka’s Kamindu Mendis.
Bumrah’s Dominance in 2024
Bumrah has been a standout performer in Test cricket, finishing the year with:
- 71 wickets in 13 matches
- Best bowling average: 14.92
- Strike rate: 30.16
The ICC hailed Bumrah as the year’s best bowler, citing his stellar performances in various conditions, including South Africa, Australia, and India.
“Having returned to the Test arena following his recovery from a recurring back injury in 2023, Bumrah delivered his best-ever annual tally — 71 wickets — finishing the year with more Test wickets than any of his counterparts,” the ICC noted.
Bumrah’s performance in the Border-Gavaskar Trophy was exceptional, where he claimed 30 wickets in just four Tests Down Under, including match-winning spells at Perth that led India to a 295-run victory.
England’s Joe Root: The Batting Mainstay
Joe Root emerged as the most dominant batter in 2024, accumulating:
- 1,556 runs from 17 Tests
- Batting average: 55.57
- Centuries: 6
- Half-centuries: 5
Root’s performance included a career-best 262 against Pakistan at Multan and marked the fifth time he crossed the 1,000-run milestone in a calendar year.
“Root’s second-best annual run-tally in Tests was a testament to his consistency, both home and away,” the ICC said.
England’s Harry Brook: Breakthrough Performer
Harry Brook made a significant impact with:
- 1,100 runs from 12 Tests
- Batting average: 55.00
- Centuries: 4
Brook’s aggressive batting style made him a flagbearer of England’s quick-scoring approach, with his 317 off 322 balls being a standout innings.
Sri Lanka’s Kamindu Mendis: Rising Star
Kamindu Mendis impressed with:
- 1,049 runs from 9 Tests
- Batting average: 74.92
Mendis became the joint-third fastest to score 1,000 Test runs, equalling Sir Don Bradman’s 13-innings record. His twin centuries against New Zealand played a pivotal role in Sri Lanka’s push for a spot in the ICC World Test Championship Final.
The ICC praised Mendis as the batter with the highest average among those who played more than two Tests in 2024.
The Verdict
The ICC Test Cricketer of the Year award recognizes excellence in the longest format, and all four nominees have had remarkable performances in 2024. While Bumrah’s unmatched bowling statistics make him a strong contender, Root, Brook, and Mendis have left an indelible mark with their batting prowess.
