Bumrah took 5 wickets for 27 runs (Image source: X/@BCCI)
What’s the story
India’s premier fast bowler, Jasprit Bumrah, delivered a stellar performance on Day 1 of the first Test against South Africa.
After South Africa won the toss and opted to bat first at Kolkata’s Eden Gardens, they were dismissed for just 159 runs in their first innings.
Bumrah was the star of the show with his brilliant five-wicket haul, setting a strong foundation for India in the match.
Bumrah leads the charge for India
The Indian bowlers had a fairly even first session, with Bumrah leading the charge.
The South African batsmen struggled against the disciplined bowling attack in the middle overs, losing wickets at regular intervals.
After a promising start at 57/0, they collapsed to 159 all out in their first innings.
Bumrah trapped both openers and Tony de Zorzi, before dismissing a couple of tail-enders.
Kuldeep Yadav and Mohammed Siraj took two wickets each as Axar Patel struck once on Test comeback.
Bumrah only behind these names
Bumrah finished with 5/27 from his 14 overs (5 maidens).
As per ESPNcricinfo, this five-wicket haul was his 16th in Test cricket, equaling Bhagwat Chandrasekhar.
Ravichandran Ashwin (37), Anil Kumble (35), Harbhajan Singh (25), and Kapil Dev (23) are the only Indians with more Test fifers than Bumrah.
His 5/27 also makes him the first fast bowler since Ishant Sharma in 2019 to take a five-for on the opening day of a Test match in India.
Bumrah races to 231 Test wickets
Since making his Test debut in 2018, Bumrah has evolved as the most lethal pacer across formats.
Playing his 51st Test, he has completed 231 wickets at an incredible average of 19.52. This is the best average among bowlers with at least 200 Test wickets.
Meanwhile, this was his fourth fifer across nine Tests against SA, as he has raced to 43 wickets against them at an average of 18.97.
Best bowling average in India
Playing his 15th Test at home, Bumrah has accounted for 59 wickets at an excellent average of 16.55, as per ESPNcricinfo.
The tally includes three fifers now. Among bowlers with at least 50 Test wickets in India, Bumrah boasts the best average.
Former Australian spinner Richie Benaud (18.38) is the only other bowler with a sub-20 average in this regard.
