Indian pace ace Jasprit Bumrah’s underwhelming stats against New Zealand

Jasprit Bumrah’s 83 Test wickets have come at an average of 22.79. No other Indian cricket team bowler who’s played at least 20 Tests – the same as Bumrah – has ever managed a better average. 

In just 20 Tests, Bumrah has already taken five five-fors, the same number that Mohammed Shami has in 51 Tests. In a short career, he has Test five-wicket hauls in Australia, England, South Africa and the West Indies.

However, when it comes to New Zealand, Bumrah’s numbers tell a different story. In three Tests against the Kiwis, Bumrah has taken just six wickets at an average of 41.16. 

Among active Indian fast bowlers who have played at least three Tests against New Zealand, only Umesh Yadav (47.66) has a worse average. However, four of Umesh’s five Tests against the Kiwis have come in India, where conditions are usually more difficult for pacers.

All three of Bumrah’s Tests matches against New Zealand have come in bowling-friendly conditions in Wellington, Christchurch and now in Southampton, where Bumrah has gone wicketless from 26 overs in the World Test Championship (WTC) final. His fellow fast bowlers Ishant Sharma and Shami have got more out of the Hampshire Bowl pitch than he has been able to.

Bumrah’s disappointing Test/ODI record vs New Zealand

Not only in Test matches, Bumrah has not had as much success against New Zealand in ODIs as well.

But when it comes to the shortest format -- in which he first came into the limelight -- Bumrah’s record against New Zealand improves considerably. His T20I record against New Zealand is more or less similar to his record against all other opponents.

Featured photo: DAVID GRAY / AFP