Bumrah vs McGrath: The Better Fast Bowler In Tests?

Glenn McGrath and Bumrah - (Source:@Johns/X.com)Glenn McGrath and Bumrah - (Source:@Johns/X.com)

Jasprit Bumrah is breathing fire against Australia as the right-arm seamer and India's stand-in skipper has brought the visitors back into the game with a fiery opening spell. Notably, Bumrah has taken three wickets to leave Australia crippled in their first innings.

Notably, in the first Test between India and Australia in Perth, the visitors, batting first, put 150 runs on the board. In reply, Bumrah took three wickets - Steve Smith, Usman Khawaja, and Nathan McSweeney. 

Bumrah's impact has got the internet talking, and a new debate has emerged as to who is better in Tests- Bumrah or legendary Glenn McGrath. This article will analyse the better bowler among the two in Test cricket. 

Bumrah vs McGrath: Overall Career

Bowler
Tests
Wickets
Average
Glenn McGrath12456321.64
Jasprit Bumrah4117620.27

Looking at the stats, no one can deny that Glenn McGrath has had a more consistent career free of injuries. Further, he has averaged 21.64 in his 124 matches and has 563 wickets. 

Talking about Bumrah, he has been on a rise in the last few years and taken 176 wickets in 41 matches. He, at present, averages 20.27 in Test cricket, better than McGrath at the time. 

Bumrah vs McGrath: Home Tests

Bowlers
Tests
Wickets
Average
Glenn McGrath6628922.43
Jasprit Bumrah124717.19

While comparing there performances in home Tests, one must keep in mind that McGrath got the friendlier conditions for pacers in Australia. On the other hand, Jasprit Bumrah has got more of flat tracks and spin friendly decks in India.

If we look at the expenditure of runs of the two bowlers when it comes to picking up a wicket, Jasprit Bumrah is way ahead in adverse conditions. This proves that at this point of his career, the Indian pacer is on the path to transcend the Aussie legend.

Bumrah vs McGrath: Away Tests

Bowlers
Tests
Wickets
Average
Glenn McGrath5526021.35
Jasprit Bumrah2813020.58

One thing to note in this case is that McGrath had a better average away from home, on the other hand, Bumrah's average is worse when it comes to performances outside India. However, when it comes to the comparison between the two the cost per wicket for Bumrah is better the Australian legend. 

So, once more the numbers are on Bumrah's side. The Indian pacer has been more efficient in his short career than McGrath when it comes to performing away from home.

Conclusion

This is a just a comparison between two great fast bowlers in terms of their efficiency to the team. The numbers here speak in favour of Bumrah. However, the age that Glenn McGrath played in and the batters he bowled to make him one of the best to ever graced the game.

Jasprit Bumrah is walking down the right path and he has all the qualities to transcend the Australian legend at a point in his career. Even though the numbers at present speak in favour of the Indian bowler, he has a long distance to travel even before his name can be taken in the same line as Glenn McGrath.