Indian pace sensation Jasprit Bumrah was honored with the ICC Men’s Player of the Month award for December 2024, recognizing his remarkable performances during the Border-Gavaskar Trophy against Australia.
Bumrah spearheaded India’s bowling attack with unmatched skill and determination, claiming 22 wickets in just three Tests in December at an outstanding average of 14.22. Across the five-match series, which began in November and concluded on January 5, he accumulated 32 wickets. His match-winning spells included a nine-wicket haul in Brisbane and a five-wicket display in Melbourne, earning him this prestigious accolade over competitors like Australian captain Pat Cummins and South African pacer Dane Paterson.
Bumrah also reached a historic milestone during the series, becoming the first bowler to take 200 Test wickets at an average below 20.
From the start of the series, Bumrah showcased his brilliance, beginning with a stellar four-wicket haul in Adelaide. His efforts minimized Australia’s first-innings lead, keeping India within striking distance. In Brisbane, Bumrah delivered a game-changing performance, dismantling Australia’s batting lineup with six wickets in the first innings. He added three more scalps in the second innings, completing a nine-wicket match haul and securing a rain-affected draw that kept India alive in the series.
The Boxing Day Test in Melbourne further highlighted Bumrah’s consistency. He claimed four wickets in the first innings and followed it up with a five-wicket haul in the second, bowling Australia out for 234. Despite his valiant efforts, India’s batting faltered, resulting in an 184-run defeat.
Although India ultimately lost the Border-Gavaskar Trophy 1-3, Bumrah’s brilliance stood out throughout the series. His exceptional performances earned him the Player of the Series award, solidifying his reputation as one of the world’s premier fast bowlers.