Cricket is the game of nerves and bowling department of the game plays crucial role in it. For India, all departments have worked well so far, but the bowling attack has consistently improved over the years. Australian bowler Cathryn Fitzpatrick was regarded as the fastest bowler in the world. After the retirement of Fitzpatrick in 2007, Jhulan Goswami became world’s fastest woman bowler. She made her test international debut in 2002 against England in Lucknow. She was just 20 year old when she made her international debut and stunned the cricketing world in short span of time. She came into limelight when she took 5 wickets in each innings of a test match against England in 2006.
Jhulan Goswami was born in small town of West Bengal and started playing cricket when she was just 15. Who would have thought that a girl from middle class family of Bengal will become the fastest and leading wicket taker bowler one day. It was her undying passion and determination for game that she didn’t take much time to prove her talent and got herself recognized in international cricket. She was named as ICC women cricketer of the year in 2007. Government of India has recognized her achievements and great performances for India and awarded her with prestigious Padma Shri and Arjuna award.
She played 10 test matches and scored 283 runs with the batting average of 25.73. Her bowling record is quite impressive as she played only 10 matches and took 40 wickets with the bowling average of 16.62. Goswami’s best bowling figure is 5 wickets for 25 runs. Test bowling average which is 20 is on her credit. When we talk about ODI matches, she had amazing statics to rely on. She has played 153 international ODI matches for India so far and has scored 919 runs with the batting average of 13.65 runs. Goswami’s bowling average is exceptionally well. No one has ever achieved this milestone. Goswami, now 34, took 185 wickets in 153 ODI matches. Her bowling average is awesome as it is just 21.76 runs.
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Being the backbone of Indian bowling attack, Goswami has proved time and again why she is so good with her bowling. She became the captain of Indian women’s cricket team in 2008 and led her team in many victories until succeeded by Mitali Raj in 2011. Jhulan Goswami performed good in limited over cricket too. Goswami has 329 runs in her name in 53 WT20 matches and her batting average is 11.86 runs. She has bowled 1037 balls so far in 53 WT20 matches and took 50 wickets with the bowling average of 20.11 runs.
With so many records, awards and performances on her name, Goswami has set a benchmark for youngsters all around the world. She is the role model of young girls who are inspired by her passion and approach towards game and her achievements. It would not be wrong if we call her a living legend in this era of cricket. In an interview when she was asked about what further targets she wants to achieve for her nation, ” A world cup”, she replied. She is playing for team India quite long now, so she wants to win this title for team before hanging her boots from international cricket.