Top five bowlers with most wickets in a single edition of Border-Gavaskar Trophy

India and Australia are recognized as the leading powers in international cricket. Both countries boast an impressive history in the longest format of the game, collectively holding 14 ICC Test titles, which includes the World Test Championship.

Over the years, these two nations have contested in numerous memorable test series. The Border-Gavaskar Trophy, begun in 1996, is named in honour of two of the most exceptional cricketers from India and Australia in the 20th century: Sunil Gavaskar and Allan Border.

Bowlers have played a key role in adding excitement to the contest between the sides. Indian bowlers have excelled in conditions conducive to spin, whereas Australian bowlers have proven to be more successful on pitches that favor seam movement.

In this article, let’s take a look at the top five bowlers with the most wickets in a single edition of the Border-Gavaskar Trophy.

5. Ben Hilfenhaus (AUS) – 27 wickets, 2011-12

Former Australian fast bowler Ben Hilfenhaus took 27 wickets at an average of 17.22 during the Border-Gavaskar Trophy in the 2011-12 season held on home soil.

His most outstanding bowling performance in the series was 5/75, achieved during the Melbourne Test, where he dismantled the Indian batting order, limiting the visitors to a total of 282 runs in their first innings. Hilfenhaus’ heroics helped Australia whitewash India 4-0 in the four-match series.

4. Anil Kumble (IND) – 27 wickets, 2004

Anil Kumble, the former Indian leg spinner, emerged as a standout performer for India during the 2004 Border-Gavaskar Trophy. He concluded the four-match series with an impressive tally of 27 wickets, boasting an average of 25.37.

His best bowling performance in the series came in Chennai, where he picked up 7/48 to help India bowl out Australia for 235 runs in the first-innings. The game ultimately ended in a draw and Australia won the series 2-1.

3. Ravichandran Ashwin (IND) – 29 wickets, 2013

Ravichandran Ashwin stands out as one of the most accomplished spinners of the 21st century. His most notable achievement came during the Border-Gavaskar Trophy in 2013 at home, where he claimed 29 wickets across four matches, boasting an impressive average of 20.1.

Ashwin's exceptional performance propelled India to achieve a historic 4-0 whitewash against Australia in Test matches for the first time. His finest bowling display in the series, with figures of 7 wickets for 103 runs, occurred during the inaugural Test in Chennai. He took four five-wicket hauls in the series.

2. Harbhajan Singh (IND) – 32 wickets, 2001

Former off-spinner Harbhajan Singh, who tormented several Aussie batters, tops the list. During the 2001 home series, he achieved an impressive total of 32 wickets across merely three matches, maintaining an average of 17.03.

Harbhajan recorded four five-wicket hauls, a significant contribution to India's 2-1 triumph in that three-match series. Additionally, he made history by becoming the first Indian bowler to secure a Test hat-trick during this series.

1. Jasprit Bumrah (IND) – 32 wickets, 2024-25

Indian speedster Jasprit Bumrah now shares the top spot with Harbhajan thanks to his record-breaking performance in the 2024-25 Border-Gavaskar Trophy.

The 31-year-old pacer picked up 32 wickets at an average of only 13.06 and carried the Indian bowling attack. This includes as many as three five-wicket hauls. His best bowling figures of the series, 6/76, came during the third Test in Brisbane. Also, he claimed 8/92 across both innings in Perth and captained India to a thumping 295-run victory.

Cover Credits - BCCI Official