Fifer in cricket: What do commentators mean when they say that a bowler has picked a fifer?

Fifer in cricket: New Zealand fast bowler Kyle Jamieson picked his fifth five-wicket haul in the historic WTC Final 2021.

During the third day of the ongoing final match of the ICC World Test Championship between India and New Zealand in Southampton, New Zealand fast bowler Kyle Jamieson continued his dream run in Test cricket by picking his fifth five-wicket haul.

Playing only his eighth Test, the giant right-arm bowler made life difficult for Indian batsmen as he emerged as the pick of the Kiwi bowlers due to his bowling figures of 22-12-31-5.

Jamieson, who had drew first blood in the form of Rohit Sharma (34) on Day 2, trapped India captain Virat Kohli (44) plumb in front of the stumps to not let him score a run today.

Jamieson’s third wicket had come in the form of India wicket-keeper batsman Rishabh Pant (4) after the southpaw’s attempt of playing an expensive drive saw him edging the ball to New Zealand vice-captain Tom Latham at second slip.

In addition to picking wickets at regular wickets, Jamieson also made it a point to be super-economical to hurt India by two ways. It was then towards the end of the innings that Jamieson sent back Ishant Sharma (4) and Jasprit Bumrah (0) to complete the formalities with respect to dismissing the opposition in the first innings.

In what is only his third Test, Jamieson already has a couple of five-wicket hauls against India.

What is Fifer in cricket?

Readers must note that “Fifer” in cricket is nothing but another term for a five-wicket haul. Irrespective of the format, a bowler is casually said to have picked a “Fifer” when he picks five or more wickets in an innings.