Top five Indian bowlers with most Test wickets in Australia

The Indian cricket team boasts a distinguished legacy of developing exceptional bowlers who have consistently achieved match-winning performances. 

Although they have excelled internationally, their domestic performance stands out as one of the most formidable among teams worldwide. The home pitches, which favor spin bowlers, have frequently rendered the Indian spin specialists nearly unplayable.

India's competition with Australia has been noteworthy due to the differing conditions present in both countries. India has demonstrated a commendable performance against Australia in Test cricket recently, primarily attributed to the outstanding efforts of their pace bowlers.

In this article, let’s take a look at the top five Indian bowlers who have taken most Test wickets in Australia.

5. Bishan Singh Bedi – 35 wickets

Bishan Singh Bedi, recognized for his exceptional bowling technique, was among the finest Indian spinners of the 20th century. Bedi had an impressive record in Australia, securing 35 wickets in seven test matches at an average of 27. His record includes three five-wicket hauls and one ten-wicket match performance, which is exceptional for an Asian spinner in Australia.

Bedi's most notable performance in Australia occurred during the 1977 Brisbane Test, where he dismantled the Australian batting order, achieving bowling figures of 5 for 55 and limiting Australia to a total of 166 runs in their first innings.

4. Ravichandran Ashwin – 40 wickets

Indian spin-bowling icon Ravichandran Ashwin is known for his aggressive bowling strategy and the diverse range of techniques he employs. Ashwin has taken a total of 40 wickets across 11 matches in Australia, maintaining an average of 42.42 during his Test cricket career to date.

His most remarkable performance in Australia came in Adelaide in 2020, where he achieved figures of 4/55, contributing significantly to India's effort in limiting the hosts to 191 runs in their first innings.

3. Anil Kumble – 49 wickets

Anil Kumble, the legendary leg-spinner, holds the distinction of being India's most accomplished Test bowler, having taken a remarkable total of 619 wickets. Kumble maintained a commendable performance in Australia, securing 49 wickets in 10 Tests with an average of 37.73. His impressive numbers in Australia feature four Test five-wicket hauls.

2. Jasprit Bumrah – 50 wickets

Jasprit Bumrah is widely regarded as one of the premier fast bowlers of his era. Bumrah has claimed 50 wickets so far in Australia, maintaining an impressive average of 17.82 in 10 Test matches, including three five-fors.

Bumrah produced his best performance in Australia at the Melbourne Cricket Ground (MCG) in 2018, where he took 6/33 in the first innings to help India secure a dominant 137-run victory.

1. Kapil Dev – 51 wickets

India's most accomplished all-rounder, Kapil Dev, holds the record for the highest number of Test wickets taken by an Indian bowler in Australia. Kapil claimed 51 wickets in Australia at an average of 24.58. His impressive tally includes five fifers.

Kapil's most outstanding bowling performance in Australia came in Adelaide in 1985, where he achieved figures of 8 wickets for 106 runs, assisting India in dismissing Australia for 371 runs in their first innings. He is also the most successful Indian fast bowler with 434 wickets in Test cricket.

Cover Credits - BCCI Official