Mitchell Starc vs Jasprit Bumrah after 47 Tests: Who stands tall between modern pace legends?

Mitchell Starc and Jasprit Bumrah are two of the most prominent fast bowlers in modern Test cricket, known for their contrasting styles and impactful performances.

Fan war erupts over the supremacy between Jasprit Bumrah and Mitchell Starc

In the ever-growing debate of Bumrah vs Starc, particularly after Bumrah completed 47 Tests, a statistical and impact-based comparison lit up social media, especially on platform X, sparking fan wars between cricket supporters. While Starc is the seasoned workhorse with over 100 Tests and 400+ wickets, Bumrah’s brilliance in fewer matches, away dominance, and surgical precision have made this a compelling battle. The real debate isn’t just about volume, but about where and how the wickets came. One has longevity. While other has lethality.

It isn’t a debate because it depends on what you prioritise.

Is Bumrah a more dominant bowler than Starc? Without a doubt. But Starc’s legacy largely lies within his longevity.

He’s been doing this for the best part of a decade, summer after summer. That’s special.

— Neal Gardner (@Nealbackup)

Notice how Starc is GOAT for performing against a Tide, Nirma, Surf washed Windies while we have to prove Bumrah's greatness by continuously showing his stats in important tournaments, away tests and he still gets called out that he doesn't have 20 wickets in an innings

— Udit (@udit_buch)

History will rate Mitchell Starc higher than Jasprit Bumrah, only because of the former’s ability to manage workload and his sheer consistency.

— Tushar Gupta (@Tushar15_)

Will never understand the compulsive need of clowns to drag Jasprit Bumrah in a debate whenever Mitchell Starc performs well. Just appreciate a great spell from the Aussie.

For me, Bumrah will always remain miles ahead. He is the greatest bowler this generation will ever see.

— Anuj Nitin Prabhu (@APTalksCricket)

Starc, a left-arm paceman from Australia, is celebrated for his express pace, swinging deliveries, and ability to generate fierce Yorkers. He has been a consistent wicket-taker for Australia over a long career, often providing breakthroughs with his aggressive approach.

On the other hand, Bumrah, a right-arm fast bowler from India, is renowned for his unique action, incredible accuracy, subtle seam movement, and devastating Yorkers. He has quickly established himself as a world-class bowler across all formats, particularly excelling in Test cricket with his ability to extract bounce and movement from any surface. While Starc brings raw pace and an attacking mindset, Bumrah relies on precision, control, and late movement to trouble batters, making both formidable opponents in their own right.

Mitchell Starc or Jasprit Bumrah – The greatest pacer in Test cricket 

1. Performance in Australia: Bumrah’s dominance in Down Under vs Starc’s home strength

Mitchell Starc has played 55 of his 100 Tests at home in Australia and reaped success with 235 wickets at an average of 26.46, aided by familiar conditions. In contrast, Jasprit Bumrah’s entire 12-Test stretch in Australia has been on foreign soil. Despite that, Bumrah has picked up 64 wickets at a sensational average of 17.15, winning 2 Man of the Match and 1 Man of the Series awards, all away from home. This comparison alone puts into perspective how Bumrah thrives under tougher circumstances. For one, it’s his backyard; for the other, it’s battle terrain, and yet Bumrah has been more impactful.

2. Quality of wickets

One of the most telling differences between the two pacers lies in the type of wickets they take. Bumrah’s 15 five-wicket hauls include only 28.75% tailender wickets (No. 8–11), highlighting his knack for removing top-order batters – the most valuable dismissals in Test cricket. Starc, on the other hand, has 16 five-fors, but a significant 32.55% of those dismissals have come against the lower order. This not only indicates that Bumrah’s spells are more destructive upfront but also shows his ability to break partnerships and turn matches in favor of his side.

Also READ: Fewest balls to take a 5-wicket haul in Test cricket ft. Mitchell Starc

3. Efficiency & strike rate (After 47 Tests)

Efficiency in Test cricket isn’t just about the number of wickets but how quickly and consistently a bowler delivers them. After 47 Tests, Bumrah bowled 9,150 deliveries for 217 wickets, while Starc needed 9,845 balls to take 196 wickets. That’s a significant indicator , Bumrah takes fewer balls to get more wickets. His average (19.60) and economy (2.78) also surpass Starc’s (average 27+, economy 3.41) from the same point in their careers. Bumrah’s control and relentless accuracy make him a bowler captains can depend on, anywhere and against anyone.

4. Country-wise bowling averages

Jasprit Bumrah has never played a Test match against Pakistan or in the UAE, so he has no stats there. Starc has, and his average in those regions is 42, another indicator that subcontinent conditions test his skills. In contrast, Bumrah has played across the SENA countries (South Africa, England, New Zealand, Australia) and dominated in each. His average in India (17.19) and South Africa (20.76) underlines his ability to extract results on vastly different pitches. Starc, despite his experience, has struggled in India (average 53.66), New Zealand (43.20), and Pakistan/UAE (42). That disparity reveals more than the numbers — it shows adaptability.

• Note: Bumrah has not played Tests in Pakistan or UAE.

5. Match awards in Test cricket

In terms of match recognition, Bumrah stands shoulder-to-shoulder with Starc despite playing less than half the number of Tests. Bumrah has 3 Man of the Match and 3 Man of the Series awards, all MoS awards coming away from home, reflecting how his performances shift series outcomes. Starc, after 100 Tests, has 4 MoM and 2 MoS, both MoS coming away but often without the kind of consistent match-shaping dominance Bumrah delivers.

The head-to-head story reveals much: Bumrah vs Australia has been a tale of dominance — 64 wickets in 12 Tests at 17.15. Meanwhile, Starc against India, across 23 Tests, has taken 66 wickets — but at an inflated average of 35.84. When it comes to the biggest bilateral contests, Bumrah has proven more effective and dangerous. He thrives under pressure; Starc fluctuates.

Final verdict: Who’s better after 47 Tests between Bumrah and Starc?

Starc has been a consistent servant of Australian cricket  fiery, aggressive, and often explosive. But at the 47-Test mark, Bumrah emerges not just as statistically superior but also situationally more impactful. He does more with less,  fewer matches, fewer balls, yet more wickets, better averages, tighter economy, and more away wins. His adaptability across all continents, ability to dismantle top orders, and dominance against elite sides elevate him into a league of modern greats.

Also READ: ENG vs IND: Irfan Pathan questions Jasprit Bumrah’s workload strategy after Lord’s Test loss