Jasprit Bumrah vs Mitchell Starc: A Pink-Ball Showdown
India and Australia, two of cricket’s strongest teams, are battling it out in the high-stakes Border-Gavaskar Trophy. After a thrilling opening Test in Perth, all eyes are on the second Test in Adelaide. It’s a day-night clash under the lights with the pink ball.
The pink ball, known for its extra swing and seam movement, often tilts the contest in favor of pacers. This sets the stage for an exciting duel. It is between two of the world’s best fast bowlers—Jasprit Bumrah and Mitchell Starc. But who has the edge in pink-ball Test matches? Let’s break it down.
Mitchell Starc’s Pink-Ball Dominance
Mitchell Starc is one of the most lethal pink-ball bowlers in Test cricket. With 90 Tests, Starc has vast experience. He has played 12 day-night Tests and delivered stunning performances.
Matches: 12
Innings : 23
Wickets: 66
Average: 18.71
Strike Rate: 36.5
Five-Wicket Hauls: 3
Starc’s consistency with the pink ball has been a standout, especially in Australia. At the Adelaide Oval, the venue for the upcoming Test, Starc has excelled. He took four wickets in a previous day-night match against India.
Jasprit Bumrah’s Pink-Ball Efficiency
Jasprit Bumrah has less experience with the pink ball. But, he has been equally impressive in his limited chances. Bumrah has played three day-night Tests. His stats show he can dominate with the pink ball.
Matches: 3
Innings: 5
Wickets: 10
Average: 14.50
Strike Rate: 31.8
Five-Wicket Hauls : 1
Bumrah has a smaller sample size. But, his average and strike rate are remarkable. They show he is a force to be reckoned with. In his only pink-ball Test in Australia, Bumrah took two wickets. This shows he can adapt to tough conditions.
Bumrah vs Starc: Who Has the Edge?
On paper, Jasprit Bumrah edges ahead in terms of average (14.50 vs 18.71) and strike rate (31.8 vs 36.5). However, Mitchell Starc’s better record in Australia favors him.
Starc’s skill at exploiting Adelaide’s pink-ball conditions makes him a threat. He has experience from 12 day-night matches. Bumrah, on the other hand, has shown promise but still has a long way to match Starc’s consistency under the lights.
In pink-ball Tests, Jasprit Bumrah and Mitchell Starc are both unique. Each has strengths. Bumrah’s stats suggest he is a rising star in day-night games. But, Starc’s experience and success in Australia make him the better option for the Adelaide Test.
In the second Test, fans expect a fierce battle. Two world-class bowlers will likely decide the outcome.
