The England-India Test rivalry is one of the best in the game. Over the years many legends from both sides have made their mark but it’s mostly the bowlers who have won matches for their teams. Whether it’s the seaming tracks in England or the spinning tracks in India, bowlers have had to adapt and rise to the challenge. Here are the top 5 wicket takers in Test matches between England and India.
1. James Anderson
England’s best fast bowler, James Anderson, tops the list with 149 wickets at 25.48—his best against any team, even better than Australia. He’s been a thorn in the flesh for Indian batsmen from Tendulkar to Kohli. The only English bowler in the top 5, his skills in swing and reverse swing, especially seen during the 2021 series in Chennai, will be remembered for a long time.
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2. Ravichandran Ashwin
Next is India’s modern legend, Ravichandran Ashwin, who has 114 wickets in 24 Tests. The off-spinner was a key player during India’s golden era in Test cricket. He was particularly deadly at home, taking 100 wickets at 26.48 and 8 five-fors, showing his dominance at home.
3. Bhagwath S Chandrasekhar
Bhagwath Chandrasekhar, the hero of India in the ‘60s and ‘70s, is third with 95 wickets in 23 matches. He debuted and retired against England and had some great moments, 31 wickets in England, like his 5 wickets at Lord’s in 1967 and 6 wickets at The Oval in 1971, when India won their first Test in England.
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4. Anil Kumble
Anil Kumble is fourth with 92 wickets in 19 Tests. He was a match-winner for India and thrived against England, taking 56 wickets in India at 23.64, all 4 of his 5-fors in this series, showing his skills in familiar conditions.
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5. Bishan Singh Bedi
And finally Bishan Singh Bedi, the great left-arm spinner, is fifth with 85 wickets in 22 Tests, most against any team, overall average 29.87. 50 of those wickets were in India where he averaged 24.12.
These bowlers have made the England-India Test matches so special over the years.
