Top 5 game-changing spells by Indians in Tests in 2024

Indian cricket experienced its fair share of highs and lows as far as 2024 is concerned. Test cricket occupied a significant chunk of the cricketing calendar. Red-ball matches spanned across seven months of the year. This featured both home and away games.

A total of 15 Tests were played by India all across last year. They managed to win and lose eight and six, respectively. One of the games ended up as a draw. No matter the outcome, some effective bowling performances were instrumental in shifting the balance of the particular contest.

Here are the five game-changing spells by Indians in Tests in 2024:   

5. Bumrah vs Australia (5/30 in 18 overs, Perth)

It was the first Test of the keenly-awaited 2024-25 edition of the Border-Gavaskar Trophy. India had won the toss and opted to bat first. The hosts breathed fire with the ball and India were bundled out for 150 during the second session of the day. India had it all to do against an energised Australian unit whose aim would've been to run away with a substantial lead at the end of the day's play.

It was then that standby skipper Jasprit Bumrah proved his mettle with the ball. His first breakthrough was that of a debutant, Nathan McSweeney. The fourth and fifth deliveries of Bumrah's fourth over produced the big wickets of Usman Khawaja and Steve Smith. Bumrah secured his five-wicket haul by the commencement of the next day. Australia had been shot out for 104. India emerged victorious by a commanding margin of 295 runs.