Josh Hazlewood vs Jasprit Bumrah: Who is the Better Bowler Across All Formats?
Josh Hazlewood delivered a match-winning performance in the 2nd T20I against India, sparking a debate on whether he is currently a better bowler than Jasprit Bumrah.
Hazlewood's Impact in the Second T20I
During the game at the MCG, Hazlewood bowled an exceptional spell with the new ball, nearly unplayable and devastating the Indian top order. He took 3 wickets for 13 runs in four overs, dismissing Shubman Gill, Suryakumar Yadav, and Tilak Varma. This brilliant effort was pivotal in restricting India to a mere 125 runs.
Bumrah's Performance and Expectations
India looked to their premier pacer, Jasprit Bumrah, to return similar results and lead the team to victory. However, Bumrah conceded runs early, easing the chase for Australia. Although he picked up two wickets, finishing with figures of 2 for 26, those wickets did not significantly affect the game's outcome.
Quote on Bumrah
"Bumrah is often projected as the best pacer of contemporary cricket."
Career Comparison
When comparing their overall careers across formats, Jasprit Bumrah stands out as the more effective bowler, boasting better averages and strike rates.
Summary
While Hazlewood’s recent T20I spell was outstanding, career statistics still favor Bumrah as the superior bowler in all formats.
Author's Note
This comparison highlights the clash between standout recent form and long-term consistency in cricket’s premier fast bowlers.