Jasprit Bumrah's exceptional bowling performance on Day 3 of the first Test between India and England at Headingley has not only helped India gain a slender first-innings lead but has also propelled him to a significant milestone, putting him on par with the legendary Kapil Dev. Bumrah's figures of 5/83 marked his 14th five-wicket haul in Test cricket, further cementing his place as one of the premier fast bowlers in the world.
England resumed Day 3 at 209/3, with Ollie Pope having reached his century the previous evening. However, Bumrah's relentless pressure and skill ensured that England's progress was checked. He dismissed Ollie Pope (106) early on, which was crucial in shifting the momentum back towards India. Despite Harry Brook's aggressive innings of 99, and valuable contributions from Chris Woakes (38) and Brydon Carse (22), England were eventually bowled out for 465, giving India a narrow six-run lead.
Bumrah's five-wicket haul was a testament to his skill and perseverance. He bowled 24.4 overs, exhibiting control, pace, and movement. His ability to strike crucial blows and disrupt partnerships was vital in restricting England's total. The wickets included key batsmen, highlighting his impact on the game. This performance underscored Bumrah's importance to the Indian team, especially in overseas conditions.
This was Bumrah's 14th five-wicket haul in Test cricket. He also equaled Kapil Dev's record of 12 five-wicket hauls away from home, achieving this feat in just 34 matches compared to Kapil's 66. Notably, Bumrah also became the first Asian bowler to take 150 Test wickets in SENA countries (South Africa, England, New Zealand, and Australia), showcasing his dominance in challenging overseas conditions.
Kapil Dev, India's greatest fast-bowling all-rounder, had a stellar Test career, amassing 434 wickets and 5,248 runs. He led India to their first World Cup victory in 1983 and remains an icon of Indian cricket. While comparing Bumrah and Dev, it's important to note that Kapil Dev ended his Test career with 434 wickets in 131 Test matches, including 23 five-wicket matches. In contrast, as of June 22, 2025, Jasprit Bumrah has 210 wickets in 46 Tests with 14 five-wicket hauls.
Here's a brief list of Indian bowlers with the most five-wicket hauls away from home:
Bumrah's achievement is even more remarkable considering the relatively short span of his Test career so far. At 32 years old, Bumrah has already established himself as a modern-day great. Currently ranked 1st in the ICC Test bowling rankings, Bumrah's ability to perform under pressure and deliver match-winning performances makes him a vital asset to the Indian team. His unique bowling action, pace, and accuracy make him a difficult proposition for batsmen around the world. As he continues his career, Bumrah has the potential to surpass many more milestones and etch his name in the annals of cricket history.
As play moved into India's second innings, the team aimed to build on their slender lead and set a challenging target for England. However, the early loss of Yashasvi Jaiswal put some pressure on the Indian batting lineup.
