Top 5 best bowling figures by Indian bowlers against Australia in test cricket

R Ashwin is India’s leading wicket-taker against Australia in test cricket.

The Indian cricket team has a longstanding history of producing quality bowlers. The Indian bowlers have time and again shown their prowess against the top teams across the globe.

While they have performed well in every country, their track record at home speaks volumes of their quality. With the pitches assisting spinners, the Indian spin wizards have often been unplayable at times at home.

India’s rivalry against Australia has been special because of the contrasting conditions in both countries. While Australia have dominated India with a better head-to-head record, recent history favours India with the four Border-Gavaskar Trophy wins between 2017 and 2023.

Indian bowlers have scripted some of the most memorable performances in the India vs Australia matches in test cricket. On that note, let’s look at the top five best bowling figures by Indian bowlers against Australia in test cricket.

Top five best bowling figures by Indian bowlers against Australia in test cricket:

5. Ravindra Jadeja – 7/42, Delhi, 2023

India left-arm spinner Ravindra Jadeja picked up seven wickets on the third day of the second test of Australia’s tour of India 2023 in Delhi.

Trailing by a run in the first innings, India had the challenging task of quickly wrapping up the second Australian innings. Jadeja starred for India, picking up seven wickets for just 42 runs. His wickets included the big names of Marnus Labuschagne and Usman Khawaja.

Thanks to Jadeja’s brilliance, India bowled out Australia for just 113 runs in the second innings, ultimately winning the game by six wickets.

4. Anil Kumble – 8/141, Sydney, 2004

India’s most successful bowler, Anil Kumble recorded brilliant bowling figures of 8/141 against the Aussies in the 2004 test match at Sydney. In a game widely remembered for Sachin Tendulkar’s unbeaten 241-run knock in the first innings, Kumble was India’s star with the ball, dismantling the Australian batting lineup.

Kumble’s exceptional bowling spell helped India take a massive 229-run lead. The match ended in a thrilling draw with Simon Katich and Steve Waugh saving the game for Australia on the final day.

3. Kapil Dev – 8/106, Adelaide, 1985

Legendary fast bowler Kapil Dev recorded sensational bowling figures of 8/106 against Australia in 1985 at Adelaide in the first test of the series.

Bowling first on a flat wicket, Kapil was India’s only bowler who threatened the Kangaroos, dismissing six of Australia’s top seven batters. Kapil’s heroic effort restricted Australia to a score of 381. The game ended in a boring draw with India finishing at 520 runs in their first innings. Dev was named Player of the Match.

2. Harbhajan Singh – 8/84, Chennai, 2001

Harbhajan Singh’s exceptional spell of 8/84 came in the third and final test of the memorable 2001 series at home. Leading the game by 110 runs, India had the challenging task of batting in the fourth innings at a turning Chennai pitch.

Harbhajan’s second-innings masterclass restricted Australia to 264 runs in the second innings. Harbhajan’s victims included some big names including Ricky Ponting and Steve Waugh.

India ultimately won the game in a thrilling fashion by two wickets. Harbhajan was named Player of the series for his 32 scalps.

1. Jasubhai Patel – 9/69, Kanpur, 1959

Known for the art of deceiving batsmen with flight and pace variation, Jasubhai Patel holds the record for having the best bowling figures for India against Australia in test cricket. Patel took 9/69 in the first innings of the second test of Australia’s tour of India in 1959 in Kanpur.

Having made only 152 runs in the first innings, Patel’s brilliance helped India bowl out Australia for 219 runs. India scored 291 runs in their second innings, ultimately winning the game by 119 runs on the fifth day.

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