Jasprit Bumrah vs Pat Cummins: Comparing the Hallmarks of Two Modern Greats after 40 Tests

Jasprit Bumrah and Pat Cummins are two of the finest fast bowlers in modern-day Test cricket. Representing India and Australia, the pace bowling duo bring unique qualities and styles to their respective teams.

The two world-class bowlers have thrilled the fans with great pace, control and skill over the years. The duo have some distinct differences in how they go about confronting the batters in the purest format of the game.

Let’s now dive into a comparative look at these two elite fast bowlers based on their performances after 40 Test matches.

1. Pat Cummins takes the lead in Wickets' tally but not in average

After 40 Tests, Bumrah has claimed 173 wickets, while Cummins has taken 189, which gives the Australian skipper a slight edge in terms of total wickets. However, Bumrah has achieved his haul at a remarkable bowling average of 20.57, which is slightly better than Cummins' 21.75 at the same stage. The Ahmedabad Express had slightly superior efficiency in conceding fewer runs per wicket.

2. Strike Rate and Impactful Spells

Jasprit Bumrah’s strike rate after 40 Tests is 44.6, which means he picks up a wicket every 44.6 balls on an average. On the other hand, Cummins’ strike rate is 47.1, which is only marginally slower. This goes to show that both the bowlers are very good at giving breakthroughs.

3. Jasprit Bumrah edges Pat Cummins in Five-Wicket Hauls

In terms of taking five-wicket hauls, Bumrah had a slightly greater ability to produce match-winning spells. After 40 Tests, Bumrah has taken 10 five-wicket hauls as compared to Cummins’ six. Bumrah has dismantled strong batting line-ups on multiple occasions. His best bowling figures of 6/27 came against the West Indies in Kingston in 2019. He played one of the quintessential roles in helping India to a massive 257-run victory.

On the other side of the coin, Pat Cummins’ best figures after 40 Tests were 6/23 against Sri Lanka, a spell that came in a commanding win by an innings and 23 runs. Cummins was unplayable in that game at Australia's fortress, The Gabba, where he used his pace and bounce to great effect. Notably, his 6/23 remains his best figures to date.