Top Five Indian Bowlers with Most Test Wickets Against England on English Soil

India and England are two of the biggest names in Test cricket, and their rivalry goes way back to 1932, when India played their very first Test match at Lord’s in London. Since then, the two teams have played over 130 Test matches against each other. England have had the upper hand, winning more than 50 of those games, while India have won over 35.

Playing Test cricket in England has always been tough for India. Out of 67 matches played there, India have won only 9, lost 36, and drawn 22. The conditions in England—especially the swinging and seaming pitches—have always posed a big challenge, particularly for Indian bowlers.

Even so, some Indian bowlers have managed to shine despite the odds. In fact, one of them has taken more than 50 wickets in England against the home team—a rare and impressive achievement given how difficult the conditions are for visiting teams.

On that note, let’s take a look at the top five Indian bowlers who have taken the most wickets against England on English soil.

5. Anil Kumble - 36

Former Indian captain Anil Kumble ranks fifth on this list with 36 wickets in Test matches played against England in England. The legendary leg-spinner featured in 10 Tests on English soil, finishing with a bowling average of 41.41.

Kumble’s most impactful performances came during the 2002 and 2007 tours, where he claimed 14 wickets in three Tests on each occasion. His best bowling figures in an innings—4 for 66—came in August 2002 at Headingley, Leeds, contributing to one of India’s most memorable overseas victories.

4. Jasprit Bumrah - 37

Indian pace spearhead Jasprit Bumrah has proven to be a formidable force in English conditions, claiming 37 wickets in just nine Tests at an impressive average of 26.27. The right-arm fast bowler has delivered consistently across 17 innings, including two five-wicket hauls. 

His standout performance came during the 2021-22 tour, where he took 23 wickets in five matches, showcasing his exceptional skill and adaptability in seam-friendly conditions.

3. Mohammed Shami - 42

Mohammed Shami is another Indian bowler with a notable record in England. Across 14 Tests, he has taken 42 wickets at an average of 40.50. Since 2014, Shami has toured England three times, steadily proving his value in challenging conditions. 

His most impressive performance came during the 2018 series, where he claimed 16 wickets in five matches. That tour also saw him register his best bowling figures in England—4 for 57—at The Rose Bowl in Southampton.

2. Kapil Dev - 43

Former India captain Kapil Dev claims the second spot on this list with 43 wickets against England at an average of 39.18. The legendary all-rounder featured in 13 Tests on English soil, recording two five-wicket hauls, including a career-best 5/125 at Lord’s in June 1982. 

Between 1979 and 1990, Dev toured England four times, delivering his finest performance during his maiden series in 1979, where he picked up 16 wickets across four Tests.

1. Ishant Sharma- 51

Ishant Sharma stands out as the most successful Indian bowler in Test matches against England in English. The veteran right-arm pacer, who featured in 105 Tests for India, claimed 51 wickets in 15 matches in England, boasting a bowling average of 33.35.

One of the highlights of Ishant’s career came during India’s historic victory at Lord’s in July 2014, where he produced a match-winning spell, taking 7 wickets for 74 runs—his best figures in England. On the 2018 tour, Sharma delivered his most consistent performance across four tours, picking up 18 wickets in five Tests.

Cover Credits - Sky Sports