Top 5 best bowling figures by Indian bowlers in Melbourne in test cricket

Among Indian bowlers, Jasprit Bumrah has taken the most wicket in Melbourne in test cricket.

The Melbourne Cricket Ground in Melbourne, famously known as the “MCG,” is one of the most iconic cricket venues in the world. Known for its favorable batting conditions, the MCG holds fond memories for India, where they secured back-to-back victories in 2018 and 2020.

Widely remembered for Virender Sehwag’s 195-run knock in 2003 and Virat Kohli’s sensational 169 in 2014, the MCG has also witnessed some dominant bowling performances by Indian bowlers.

On that note, let’s take a look top five best bowling figures by Indian bowlers in Melbourne in test cricket.

Top five best bowling figures (innings) by Indian bowlers in Melbourne in test cricket:

5. Anil Kumble – 6/176, 2003

India’s most successful test bowler, Anil Kumble recorded brilliant bowling figures of 6/176 in the 2003 test match in Melbourne. In a game widely remembered for Virender Sehwag’s 195-run knock in the first innings, Kumble was India’s star with the ball, dismantling the Australian batting lineup.

Kumble’s terrific performance with the ball helped India bowl out Australia for 558 runs. Despite his brilliance, India lost the game by nine wickets on the fifth day.

4. Erapalli Prasanna – 6/141, 1967

Erapalli Prasanna’s exceptional spell of 6/141 came in the second test of the 1967 series. After being bowled out for just 173 runs in the first innings, Prasanna helped India restrict Australia to 529 runs in the first innings.

Despite Prasanna’s brilliance, India ultimately lost the game in a humiliating fashion by an innings and four runs.

3. BS Chandrasekhar – 6/52, 1977

Former Indian leg spinner BS Chandrasekhar picked up six wickets in the third test of India’s tour of Australia in 1977 in Melbourne.

Posting 256 runs in the first innings, India had the challenging task of restricting Australia to a small total in their first innings. Chandrasekhar starred for the visitors, picking up six wickets for just 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

Remarkably, BS Chandrasekhar repeated his first-innings heroics in the second innings of the 1977 Australia vs India test in Melbourne.

Australia were given a target of 387 runs. Chandrasekhar led the Indian bowling attack by registering 6/52. Chandrasekhar’s impressive tally which included key wickets of Bob Simpson and Gary Cosier helped India register an emphatic 222-run victory.

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’s remarkable spell saw him take six wickets in 15.5 overs to bowl out the hosts for 151 runs. Bumrah’s best wicket in the game came in the form of Shaun Marsh, who was foxed by his slower yorker.

He was named Player of the Match for guiding India to a 137-run victory.

(All stats are updated till 21st December 2024)

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