Jasprit Bumrah surpasses Wasim Akram for most wickets by an Asian bowler in SENA countries – analysis and implications
Historic Milestone at Headingley
On Day 2 of the 1st Test at Headingley, Yasprit Bumrah made history by surpassing Wasim Akram’s long-standing record to become the leading wicket-taking Asian bowler in SENA nations (South Africa, England, New Zealand, Australia). With the dismissal of Ben Duckett (62), Bumrah reached 147 wickets, a tally higher than Akram’s 146 (cricket.com).
This landmark highlights Bumrah’s adaptability and dominance in conditions often unfavorable to bowlers—quiet pitches with little seam or swing.
Bowlers’ Leaderboard in SENA
Here’s the current leaderboard for Asian bowlers in SENA (Test wickets):
| Rank | Bowler | Wickets |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Jasprit Bumrah | 147 |
| 2 | Wasim Akram | 146 |
| 3 | Anil Kumble | 141 |
| 4 | Ishant Sharma | 130 |
| 5 | Mohammed Shami | 123 |
These figures confirm Bumrah’s extraordinary consistency overseas (instagram.com, timesofindia.indiatimes.com).
Conditions & Breakdown
Bumrah’s wickets across SENA:
- Australia: 64
- England: 39
- South Africa: 38
- New Zealand: 6 (tribuneindia.com, facebook.com, sportskeeda.com)
Remarkably, his strike rates, averages, and economy remain elite even on placid pitches—underscored by nine five-wicket hauls and a remarkable 32-wicket haul in Australia 2024 (tribuneindia.com).
Context of the Headingley Spell
At Headingley, Bumrah’s first-over wicket of Zak Crawley and his crucial dismissal of Ben Duckett decimated England’s top order. Duckett dismissed on the third ball of the 29th over, ended a dangerous 122-run stand. Captain Ben Stokes and Josh Tongue also contributed with four wickets apiece during India’s first innings of 471 (tribuneindia.com).
Style & Skill: Why Bumrah Thrives
Precise Variations
Bumrah uses his lethal in-swinging yorkers, pinpoint bouncers, and relentless accuracy to trouble the best.
Reverse-Swing Mastery
On older, abrasive SENA wickets, his mastery of reverse-swing gives him an extra gear.
Tactical Intelligence
He sets up batsmen strategically—lines, lengths, and subtle changes exploit any weakness.
Mental Strength
Consistently, he performs under pressure and adapts quickly to new conditions—traits critical overseas.
Comparing with Wasim Akram
Performance Comparison
| Aspect | Wasim Akram | Jasprit Bumrah |
|---|---|---|
| SENA Wickets | 146 in Tests | 147 in Tests |
| Five-Wicket Hauls | 11 | 9 |
| Ten-Wicket Matches | 3 | — |
| Bowling Avg | ~24 across SENA | ~21 – 26 (varies by country) (sports.ndtv.com, tribuneindia.com, hindustantimes.com, facebook.com) |
While Akram was the master of swing, Bumrah has combined accuracy with diverse pace and death-ball skill—an evolution of fast bowling in modern cricket.
The Journey to 147 Wickets
Bumrah’s SENA breakdown:
- Australia (64) – 4 five-wicket hauls, average ~17.15 (tribuneindia.com)
- England (39) – average ~26.02, 2 five-wicket hauls (tribuneindia.com)
- South Africa (38) & New Zealand (6) – impressive early career feats alongside England & Australia
Compared to Wasim’s balanced spread (7, 53, 50, 36 respectively across SENA conditions) (sportskeeda.com), Bumrah exhibits similar dominance—at younger age with more to come.
Reactions & Recognition
Legendary voices like Mark Wood and former New Zealand spinner spoke volumes about Bumrah’s impact:
- Mark Wood (Sky Sports): “Bumrah… is quicker than you think. He is the best bowler in the world right now… he can change the game.” (sports.ndtv.com)
- David ‘Bumble’ Lloyd (Feb 2025): Called Bumrah “the best bowler in the world… like Cristiano Ronaldo in football.” (talksport.com)
Most Test Wickets by Asian Bowlers in SENA Countries
| Rank | Bowler | Country | Wickets in SENA | Innings | 5WI/10WM |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Jasprit Bumrah | India | 147 | 60 | 9 / 0 |
| 2 | Wasim Akram | Pakistan | 146 | 66 | 7 / 2 |
| 3 | Anil Kumble | India | 141 | 66 | 6 / 1 |
| 4 | Ishant Sharma | India | 130 | 66 | 4 / 0 |
| 5 | Mohammed Shami | India | 123 | 64 | 5 / 0 |
SENA = South Africa, England, New Zealand, Australia
Note: Stats current as of June 21, 2025
Jasprit Bumrah – Test Wickets in SENA by Country
| Country | Wickets Taken | Best Bowling | Bowling Average | 5-Wicket Hauls |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Australia | 64 | 6/33 | ~21.20 | 4 |
| England | 39 | 5/64 | ~26.00 | 2 |
| South Africa | 38 | 5/42 | ~22.90 | 3 |
| New Zealand | 6 | 3/62 | ~30.00 | 0 |
| Total | 147 | 9 |
Bumrah vs Wasim Akram – Head-to-Head Comparison in SENA
| Attribute | Jasprit Bumrah | Wasim Akram |
|---|---|---|
| Total SENA Wickets | 147 | 146 |
| Total SENA Tests | 33 | 37 |
| Bowling Average | ~23.50 | ~24.30 |
| Strike Rate | ~49 | ~52 |
| 5WI/10WM | 9 / 0 | 7 / 2 |
| Peak Tour Performance | 32 wickets (Aus 2024) | 28 wickets (Eng 1992) |
Bumrah has achieved this feat in fewer innings, with a slightly better strike rate and more consistent 5-wicket hauls.
Bumrah’s Milestone Wickets in Test Cricket
| Milestone | Opponent | Year | Venue | Significance |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| First Test Wicket | South Africa | 2018 | Cape Town | Debut series in SENA |
| 50th SENA Wicket | Australia | 2018 | Melbourne | First 5-wicket haul in Australia |
| 100th SENA Wicket | England | 2023 | Lord’s | Cemented place in elite SENA bowlers list |
| 147th Wicket (Record) | England | 2025 | Headingley | Surpassed Wasim Akram |
Why Bumrah Excels in SENA Countries
| Factor | Description |
|---|---|
| Seam-Position Control | Unique upright seam lets him move ball on non-responsive wickets |
| Bowling Action | Unorthodox, difficult to read for batters in foreign conditions |
| Reverse Swing Ability | Mastery of old ball, crucial in SA and Aus where reverse swing dominates |
| Consistent Line & Length | Rarely gives room; relentless accuracy under pressure |
| Psychological Edge | Reads batters well; often sets traps through mind games |
| Fitness & Recovery | Maintains pace and energy even in back-to-back Tests |
Moment of Triumph
When Bumrah bowled Duckett, he visibly relished the moment—a celebratory smile, communicating his confidence. Rumor has it he whispered something wryly given Duckett’s pre-series remarks:
“I know what he’s going to do to me… Nothing surprises me.” (hindustantimes.com)
Implications for the Series
Bumrah’s record highlights:
- India’s bowling edge on overseas tours.
- Critical advantage in upcoming Tests.
- Inspiration for next-gen fast bowlers, showcasing adaptability, aggression, and control.
What’s Next
- The rest of the series tests England’s repair and India’s pitching plans.
- Bumrah likely to lift total Asian SENA wicket count beyond 150 in coming matches.
- Continued evolution might see him chase records of McGrath, Anderson all-time.
Final Thoughts
Jasprit Bumrah didn’t just break a record—he redefined fast-bowling excellence for modern Asia in Test cricket. Combining skill, strength, strategy, and mental resilience, he stands now—and will continue to stand—as a world-beater.
This achievement is a testament to his underskilled mastery in the most challenging overseas conditions—all of which signals a bright era for India’s pace bowling and a legacy rivaling all time-greats.
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Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Who holds the record for the most Test wickets by an Asian bowler in SENA countries?
Answer:
As of June 2025, Jasprit Bumrah holds the record for the most Test wickets by an Asian bowler in SENA countries (South Africa, England, New Zealand, and Australia) with 147 wickets. He surpassed the legendary Pakistani pacer Wasim Akram, who had 146 wickets.
What makes Jasprit Bumrah so effective in SENA countries?
Answer:
Jasprit Bumrah excels in SENA conditions due to a combination of factors:
- Unconventional bowling action that deceives batters.
- High pace and reverse swing, especially effective in Australia and South Africa.
- Pinpoint accuracy and intelligent variations in line and length.
- Exceptional fitness and stamina, allowing him to maintain intensity in long spells.
How many wickets has Bumrah taken in each SENA country?
Answer:
| Country | Wickets Taken |
|---|---|
| Australia | 64 |
| England | 39 |
| South Africa | 38 |
| New Zealand | 6 |
| Total | 147 |
How does Jasprit Bumrah compare to Wasim Akram in SENA conditions?
Answer:
While both bowlers are legends in their own right, Bumrah has taken 147 wickets in fewer innings (60) compared to Akram’s 146 wickets in 66 innings. Bumrah also has a better strike rate and more five-wicket hauls in the SENA nations. This makes his achievement particularly special in the modern era of batting dominance.
What is the significance of Bumrah’s record for Indian cricket?
Answer:
Bumrah’s record:
- Establishes India’s pace bowling supremacy overseas.
- Sets a new benchmark for future Indian pacers.
- Validates India’s investment in fast bowling infrastructure.
- Reinforces Bumrah’s status as one of the greatest modern-day Test bowlers.
When did Jasprit Bumrah make his Test debut and against whom?
Answer:
Jasprit Bumrah made his Test debut for India in January 2018 against South Africa at Cape Town. His ability to succeed immediately in foreign conditions marked the beginning of a historic journey in SENA nations.
How many five-wicket hauls has Bumrah taken in SENA countries?
Answer:
Jasprit Bumrah has taken 9 five-wicket hauls in Test matches across SENA countries:
- 4 in Australia
- 3 in South Africa
- 2 in England
- 0 in New Zealand (so far)
What is Bumrah’s best Test bowling figure in SENA?
Answer:
His best Test figures in SENA are 6/33, which came against Australia at Melbourne during the 2018–19 Border-Gavaskar Trophy.
How has Bumrah contributed to India’s success in overseas Tests?
Answer:
Bumrah has played a pivotal role in:
- India’s historic Test series win in Australia (2018-19).
- Consistent away wins in England and South Africa.
- Serving as India’s go-to strike bowler in crunch situations.
- Changing the perception of India’s traditional overseas struggles with pace bowling.