Top five best bowling figures by Indian bowlers in Melbourne in Test cricket

The Melbourne Cricket Ground, commonly referred to as the "MCG," is known as one of the most prestigious cricket venues globally. Celebrated for its advantageous batting conditions, the MCG is particularly cherished by India, having achieved consecutive victories there in 2018 and 2020.

The Melbourne Cricket Ground is notably recognized for Virender Sehwag's remarkable 195-run innings in 2003 and Virat Kohli's impressive 169 in 2014. Additionally, it has been the stage for several outstanding bowling displays by Indian bowlers.

In this article, let’s take a look at the top five best bowling figures by Indian bowlers in Melbourne in Test cricket.

5. Anil Kumble – 6/176, 2003

India's most successful Test bowler, Anil Kumble, achieved remarkable bowling figures of 6 for 176 during the 2003 Test match held in Melbourne. This match is particularly noted for Virender Sehwag's impressive innings of 195 runs in the first innings, yet Kumble emerged as India's standout performer with the ball, effectively dismantling the Australian batting order.

Kumble's outstanding bowling display enabled India to dismiss Australia for a total of 558 runs. However, despite his exceptional effort, India ultimately lost the match by nine wickets on the final day.

4. Erapalli Prasanna – 6/141, 1967

Erapalli Prasanna’s exceptional spell of 6/141 came in the second test of the 1967 series. Following India's first innings total of merely 173 runs, Prasanna played a crucial role in limiting Australia to 529 runs in their first innings.

In spite of Prasanna's exceptional performance, India suffered a disappointing defeat in the match, losing by an innings and four runs.

3. BS Chandrasekhar – 6/52, 1977

In the third Test of India's 1977 tour of Australia held in Melbourne, former Indian leg spinner BS Chandrasekhar achieved the remarkable feat of taking six wickets. India posted a total of 256 runs in their first innings, setting the stage for a demanding challenge to limit Australia to a modest score in their first innings. 

Chandrasekhar was the standout performer for the visitors, claiming six wickets while conceding only 52 runs. Thanks to Chandrasekhar’s brilliance, India bowled out Australia for just 213 runs to take a commendable 43-run lead.

2. BS Chandrasekhar – 6/52, 1977

BS Chandrasekhar astonishingly replicated his first-innings brilliance during the second innings of the 1977 Test match between Australia and India in Melbourne.

Australia were given a target of 387 runs. The Indian bowling effort was spearheaded by Chandrasekhar, who achieved figures of 6 for 52. His remarkable performance, which featured crucial dismissals of Bob Simpson and Gary Cosier, enabled India to secure a commanding victory by 222 runs.

1. Jasprit Bumrah – 6/33, 2018

Speedster Jasprit Bumrah holds the record for the best bowling figures by any Indian bowler at the MCG in Melbourne for his figures of 6/33 in 2018. 

Bumrah delivered an exceptional performance, claiming six wickets in 15.5 overs, which resulted in the home team being dismissed for a total of 151 runs. His most notable wicket in the match was that of Shaun Marsh, who was deceived by Bumrah's slower yorker. He was named Player of the Match for guiding India to a 137-run victory.

Cover Credits - BCCI Official