Steven Smith Praises Jasprit Bumrah as the Best Fast Bowler in All Formats

Australian batter Steven Smith has praised Indian fast bowler Jasprit Bumrah, calling him the best in all three formats of cricket. Bumrah’s recent performances, including a four-wicket haul against Bangladesh, have earned him accolades from both opponents and former Indian cricketers.

During India’s 280-run victory over Bangladesh in the opening Test in Chennai, Bumrah set the tone with a four-wicket haul in the first inning and broke a promising 62-run opening stand in the second inning. With the Border Gavaskar Trophy set to begin in November, Bumrah is eager to fine-tune his preparations.

Smith expressed his admiration for Bumrah’s skills, stating, “He’s a wonderful bowler, whether I face him with the new ball, slightly older ball, or even the old ball. He’s got great skills with all of them. He’s a great bowler, arguably the best fast bowler across the three formats. It’s always going to be a challenge.”

Former Indian cricketer Sanjay Manjrekar also praised Bumrah, saying, “We all know about his variations, his thinking – one of the sharpest thinking fast bowlers. But the one thing that came through today was that he is a bowler without a weakness – whatever the opposition, pitch conditions and that’s actually the best way to judge greatness. Indian cricket is so fortunate to have him in their side.”

Bumrah recently completed 400 wickets in international cricket, becoming the 10th Indian bowler to achieve this milestone. In 196 international matches, Bumrah has taken 401 wickets at an average of 21.01, with the best bowling figures of 6/19. He is the sixth Indian pacer to reach this milestone. In 37 Tests, Bumrah has taken 163 wickets at an average of 20.49, with the best figures of 6/27. In 89 ODIs, he has taken 149 wickets at an average of 23.55, with the best figures of 6/19. In 70 T20Is, Bumrah has taken 89 wickets at an average of 17.74, with the best figures of 3/7.