As India gears up for the high-voltage Test series against England starting June 20 at Headingley, all eyes will be on pace ace Jasprit Bumrah—not just for his match-winning potential but also because he stands on the threshold of making history. The first Test in Leeds could become a landmark moment in Bumrah’s already illustrious career, as he chases records that have eluded even the greatest bowlers Asia has produced.
Bumrah Set to Rewrite the Record Books
Jasprit Bumrah has so far taken 145 Test wickets in SENA countries — a cricketing shorthand for South Africa, England, New Zealand, and Australia. These are considered the toughest places for any subcontinental bowler to succeed due to the fast and bouncy pitches, seam-friendly conditions, and generally hostile batting environments.
If Bumrah manages to take five wickets in the upcoming Leeds Test, he will become the first-ever Asian bowler to claim 150 Test wickets in SENA nations, a feat that even legends like Wasim Akram and Muttiah Muralitharan couldn’t achieve. And if he takes just two wickets, he’ll overtake Akram to become the highest wicket-taking Asian bowler in SENA countries.
Breaking Wasim Akram’s Longstanding Record
Currently, Wasim Akram tops the chart with 146 wickets in SENA nations, followed closely by Bumrah at 145. Just one more good day with the ball, and Bumrah could leap past the Pakistani legend to stand alone at the top. This is particularly significant because Akram played in an era where Asian pacers rarely found sustained success outside the subcontinent.
The challenge of taking wickets in these countries has always been immense for Asian bowlers. Seam movement, swinging conditions, and opposition teams that thrive in such environments make every wicket hard-earned. That’s what makes Bumrah’s journey and consistency all the more exceptional.
Bumrah’s Brilliant SENA Record So Far
Let’s break down Bumrah’s incredible numbers in these challenging countries:
England: 9 Tests, 17 innings – 37 wickets
South Africa: 8 Tests – 38 wickets
New Zealand: 2 Tests – 6 wickets
Australia: 12 Tests – 64 wickets
These figures not only show his adaptability across varied conditions but also how vital he’s been for India in overseas success stories. Especially in Australia and South Africa, Bumrah has often led the pace attack with fire and finesse.
A Milestone-Packed Career
Since his Test debut in January 2018, Jasprit Bumrah has played 45 Tests, bowling in 86 innings, and taken 205 wickets. He’s also registered 13 five-wicket hauls, which speaks volumes about his ability to turn games on his own.
At just 30, Bumrah is already among the pantheon of India’s greatest fast bowlers—and he’s still going strong. His unique action, relentless accuracy, and unmatched ability to generate late movement make him a threat in any condition.
India Aiming to End a Long Wait in England
India, led by young captain Shubman Gill, will aim to script a new chapter in their red-ball journey in England. The last time India won a Test series in England was in 2007, under Rahul Dravid’s captaincy. Since then, India has toured England four times but failed to win a series.
With stalwarts like Bumrah leading the bowling unit, and a fresh wave of batting talent, hopes are high this time. If Bumrah can stay fit and find his rhythm early in the series, not only could India get off to a strong start, but fans might also witness a slice of cricketing history.
SENA’s Top Asian Wicket-Takers: The Elite List
Here’s a quick look at where Bumrah currently stands among the highest Asian wicket-takers in SENA countries:
- Wasim Akram (Pakistan) – 146 wickets
- Jasprit Bumrah (India) – 145 wickets
- Anil Kumble (India) – 141 wickets
- Ishant Sharma (India) – 130 wickets
- Muttiah Muralitharan (Sri Lanka) – 125 wickets
- Mohammed Shami (India) – 123 wickets
- Zaheer Khan (India) – 119 wickets
Breaking into the top of this list isn’t just about numbers—it’s about impact. Bumrah’s rise reflects a new era in Indian pace bowling, one where fast bowlers can dominate anywhere in the world.
As the countdown begins to the Leeds Test, fans, pundits, and teammates alike will be watching with anticipation. Can Bumrah claim the record and help India take an early lead in the series? One thing is certain—the stage is set, and Jasprit Bumrah is ready to make history.
