Jaspreet Bumrah will go to create history in Leeds, he will break this record of Akram

As the highly anticipated five-Test series between India and England kicks off today, June 20, 2025, at Headingley in Leeds, all eyes are not just on the new era of Indian Test cricket under Shubman Gill, but also on star pacer Jasprit Bumrah, who stands on the verge of making history. This series marks the beginning of the 2025–27 World Test Championship (WTC) cycle, and for Gill, leading the national team in such a crucial series is a defining moment. Following the retirement of Indian legends Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma from Test cricket, the responsibility now lies on the young shoulders of Gill, who will look to build a new legacy while managing high expectations.

But beyond the captaincy and leadership shifts, a major storyline is Jasprit Bumrah’s potential to rewrite record books. Bumrah, India’s most reliable and experienced fast bowler in the current squad, is just one wicket away from equaling a prestigious record and two wickets away from breaking it. He has taken 145 Test wickets in SENA (South Africa, England, New Zealand, Australia) countries from 31 matches at an outstanding average of 21.02. Currently, the record for the most Test wickets by an Asian bowler in SENA countries belongs to the legendary Pakistani fast bowler Wasim Akram, who took 146 wickets in 55 innings across 32 matches, averaging 24.11. If Bumrah manages to take two wickets in this Test at Leeds, he will become the Asian bowler with the most Test wickets in SENA countries — a remarkable achievement that highlights his dominance in foreign conditions, which are typically difficult for subcontinental bowlers.

The first day’s play will begin at 3:30 PM IST, with the toss scheduled at 3:00 PM. While England have already announced their playing XI, the Indian team is still evaluating pitch conditions at Headingley, which are known to change quickly and influence team selection. Captain Shubman Gill will announce India’s final XI at the toss. With overcast conditions and potential seam movement expected, India may opt for a bowling-heavy lineup.

England, on the other hand, are dealing with their own set of challenges, particularly in the fast-bowling department. With key pacers like Mark Wood, Ollie Stone, and Gus Atkinson sidelined due to injury, England’s bowling attack lacks depth. They will rely heavily on the experience of Chris Woakes and the developing skills of Brydon Carse. This opens a window of opportunity for India, especially for batters like Yashasvi Jaiswal, Ruturaj Gaikwad, and Gill himself, who will want to capitalize on a weakened English pace attack.

But while India’s batting will look to build solid partnerships, the real x-factor lies in the bowling attack led by Bumrah. Supported by Mohammed Siraj, Kuldeep Yadav, and possibly Arshdeep Singh or Mukesh Kumar, Bumrah’s experience and accuracy will be key in exploiting England’s vulnerabilities, especially in the top order. His ability to swing the ball both ways and deliver at high pace makes him a dangerous proposition, even on English soil.

This series is more than just a contest between bat and ball — it’s a symbolic handover of responsibility from veterans to the next generation. With a new captain, promising young talent, and a world-class pacer like Bumrah nearing a historic milestone, Team India is looking to start this WTC cycle on a high note. If Bumrah succeeds in surpassing Akram’s record and India secures a win, it will not only be a historic moment for Indian cricket but also a strong statement of their intent in world cricket moving forward.