LONDON — Former England fast bowler Steven Finn has hailed India's Jasprit Bumrah as the "most complete fast bowler of all time" following his sensational five-wicket haul (5-83) in the first Test against England in Hyderabad. Finn, who played 36 Tests for England, dissected Bumrah's unparalleled skill set, blending raw pace, unorthodox action, and tactical brilliance.
Bumrah's performance in Hyderabad was a masterclass in fast bowling, dismantling England's middle order with reverse swing, precision yorkers, and deceptive slower balls. Finn, speaking on the BBC's Test Match Special, emphasized that Bumrah's versatility across formats and conditions sets him apart. "There’s nothing he can’t do—whether it’s swinging the new ball, reversing the old one, or bowling lethal bouncers. He’s the complete package."
The Evolution of Bumrah’s Mastery
Bumrah’s rise from a T20 specialist to Test cricket’s premier fast bowler has been nothing short of extraordinary. Finn highlighted how Bumrah’s unorthodox action—short run-up, hyperextended elbow, and whippy release—makes him uniquely unpredictable. "Batsmen struggle to pick his variations because his action masks everything. He can bowl 90mph yorkers or 75mph cutters with the same release point."
Key milestones in Bumrah’s Test career include:
- A **5-wicket haul in South Africa (2018)** on debut, exploiting pace-friendly conditions.
- **6/27 vs West Indies (2019)**, the best figures by an Indian pacer in the Caribbean.
- **9/86 vs England (2021)**, dismantling Joe Root’s side at Lord’s.
Finn’s Breakdown: Why Bumrah Stands Alone
1. Reverse Swing Wizardry
Finn pointed to Bumrah’s mastery of reverse swing, a skill he showcased in Hyderabad by cleaning up Ollie Pope and Ben Stokes with toe-crushing inswingers. "He’s like Wasim Akram but with more pace. The way he hides the seam and controls the ball’s wear is genius."
2. Death-Over Dominance
Bumrah’s IPL pedigree translates seamlessly to Tests. Finn noted his ability to deliver pinpoint yorkers under pressure, citing the 2021 Oval Test where he uprooted England’s tail with unplayable full-length deliveries. "Even in Tests, he treats the old ball like a white ball—executing yorkers at will."
3. Tactical Intelligence
Finn praised Bumrah’s adaptability, recalling how he outthought Steve Smith in the 2020-21 Border-Gavaskar series by alternating between bouncers and leg-cutters. "He doesn’t rely on brute force. He sets traps like a spinner, using the crease and angles to create doubt."
Comparisons to Legends
Finn dismissed debates comparing Bumrah to Glenn McGrath or Dale Steyn, arguing his all-format dominance eclipses even those greats. "McGrath was relentless in Tests, but Bumrah averages **20 in Tests, 24 in ODIs, and 19 in T20Is**. No fast bowler has ever been this effective across formats."
The Future: Can Bumrah Sustain This?
With 140 Test wickets at a strike rate of 48.9, Bumrah’s workload management remains critical. Finn warned, "His action puts stress on his back, but India’s rotation policy has been smart. If he stays fit, he could rewrite fast-bowling records."
Conclusion: A Once-in-a-Generation Talent
Finn’s verdict was unequivocal: "Bumrah isn’t just the best today—he’s the most complete ever. He’s got the skills of Akram, the brain of McGrath, and the versatility of Steyn. No one else checks every box." As India’s spearhead, Bumrah’s Hyderabad heroics reaffirmed his status as cricket’s ultimate fast-bowling polymath.