Jasprit Bumrah’s curious Test Record against New Zealand puts the spotlight on Mohammed Siraj originally appeared on Cricket News. Add Cricket News as a Preferred Source by clicking here.
KEY TAKEAWAYS:
- India have lost all five Tests against New Zealand in which Jasprit Bumrah has played.
- Former New Zealand fast bowler Tim Southee believes the hosts have played Bumrah exceptionally well in Test cricket.
- Southee has backed Mohammed Siraj to be a handful in New Zealand if he gets his length right.
Tim Southee points to Jasprit Bumrah's poor record against New Zealand
India begin their tour of New Zealand on October 22 and finish it with a two-Test series in November. The Tests start in Wellington on November 19 and end in Christchurch, where the second match begins on November 27. Shubman Gill captains the Test squad.
The tour comes with a record that favours the hosts. India have lost all five Tests against New Zealand in which Jasprit Bumrah has played. That run includes the 2021 World Test Championship final and the 2024 Bengaluru and Pune Tests.
Former New Zealand fast bowler Tim Southee has now weighed in on the matchup. He played 107 Tests, 161 ODIs and 126 T20Is for New Zealand, and he will commentate on the white-ball matches of this tour. Southee spoke about Bumrah and Mohammed Siraj on Thursday.
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Why Tim Southee thinks New Zealand handle Jasprit Bumrah well in Tests
Southee made his comments in a virtual interaction facilitated by Sony Sports Network, as reported by The Telegraph. He began with how the hosts have faced Bumrah in Tests. Southee said, "I think New Zealand have played Bumrah incredibly well in Test cricket."
He then pointed to the results. Southee said, "I don't think Bumrah has played in an Indian team that has beaten New Zealand." He ended the point with a verdict. He said, "So, I think New Zealand play him exceptionally well in Tests."
Tim Southee has pointed out an interesting record. India haven't beaten New Zealand in Tests when Jasprit Bumrah has been in the playing XI.
— Gully Point (@gullypoint_) October 16, 2026
That's a surprising stat considering Bumrah is one of the most dangerous bowlers in world cricket. But New Zealand seem to have found ways…
If we look at his stats then Southee's takes does make sense.
Bumrah played both Tests in New Zealand in 2020, the 2021 World Test Championship final, and the Bengaluru and Pune Tests in 2024. India lost all five matches, so he has never finished on the winning side against them. Moreover, he has taken nine wickets in those five Tests.
| Matches | Innings | Overs | Maidens | Runs | Wickets | Best | Average | Economy |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 5 | 10 | 139.2 | 34 | 409 | 9 | 3/62 | 45.44 | 2.94 |
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Why Bumrah's control has not been enough against New Zealand and where Siraj fits
Southee was more positive about Bumrah's new-ball partner. He said, "I'm a big fan of Mohammed Siraj and the way he bowls." He then named the one condition. Southee said, "If he can get his length right in New Zealand, he could be a handful."
Southee also praised Siraj's bowling. He said, "The energy he brings, the way he runs in all day, the type of bowler he is, there's no reason why he can't have a lot of success in New Zealand conditions." He added, "There's a lot to like about him in particular."
Bumrah's numbers against New Zealand show control rather than damage. He has bowled 34 maidens in 139.2 overs and conceded 2.94 runs an over. Yet he has taken a wicket only once every 15 and a half overs, which is why his average has climbed to 45.44.
That is the gap Southee points to. A bowler who keeps runs down without taking wickets lets batters wait for the loose ball. Siraj offers a different threat if his length is right, because the energy Southee describes can force the issue. India will need both to end the run in Wellington and Christchurch.
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