Top 5 best bowling figures (innings) at Wankhede Stadium in test cricket

The Wankhede Stadium hosted its inaugural game of test cricket in 1975.

The Wankhede Stadium is one of India’s most iconic cricket grounds. It holds a special place in the hearts of Indian fans. Wankhede was the venue where India won the ODI World Cup after 28 years in 2011. Ravi Shastri’s famous commentary from the final still lives on in fans’ minds, reminding them of the special night.

While Wankhede is generally associated with high-scoring run feast in limited overs cricket, its unique dynamics and location have also made it favourable for bowlers in test cricket. Located next to the Arabian Sea, the ground experiences a sea breeze which assists the fast bowlers with swing and movement in the air.

The red soil composition of the Wankhede pitch adds another layer to its dynamics. The red soil offers extra bounce and carry for the bowlers, assisting both spinners and fast bowlers.

Throughout its history, Wankhede has witnessed many iconic bowling performances. In this article, we will look into the top five best bowling performances at this venue in test cricket.

Top five best bowling figures (innings) at Wankhede Stadium in test cricket

5. Michael Clarke – 6/9 vs India, 2004

Michael Clarke’s heroics with the ball at the Wankhede stadium came in one of the most memorable games of the Border-Gavaskar Trophy in 2004. On a turning pitch, Clarke was brought late into the attack by captain Ricky Ponting.

Clarke, with his six-wicket haul, quickly turned the game in Australia’s favour, restricting India to 205 in their second innings. Thanks to their 99-run lead in the first innings, Australia needed only 107 runs to win.

However, an inspiring bowling effort from India saw them seal the game by just 13 runs. Nonetheless, Clarke’s bowling figures of 6/9 remain one of the most iconic by an Australian bowler.

4. Lance Gibbs – 7/98 vs India, 1975

Lance Gibbs’ famous seven-for at the Wankhede stadium came in the inaugural test played on this venue in the year 1975.

Replying to West Indies’ mammoth first innings score of 604, the Indian hopes were jolted by Lance Gibbs. Gibbs dismissed key India batters Gavaskar and Vishwanath en route taking 7/98.

West Indies’ another impressive batting performance in the second innings, helped them post a 404-run target for India. Chasing the total, the Indian team faltered for 202 runs, handing West Indies a 201-run win.

3. Harbhajan Singh – 7/48 vs West Indies, 2002

Making his debut in 1998, Harbhajan Singh quickly rose through the ranks to become one of India’s premier off-spinner. Harbhajan’s seven-wicket hall against West Indies came in a thumping win for India at the Wankhede stadium in 2002.

Enforcing the follow-on after taking a 400-run lead in the first innings, Harbhajan’s returns of 7/48 helped India make easy work of West Indies’ batting lineup. West Indies were bundled out for just 188 runs, handing India a victory by an innings and 112 runs.

Virender Sehwag was named Player of the Match for his sensational knock of 147 in the first innings of the test.

2. Sir Ian Botham – 7/48 vs India, 1980

Sir Ian Botham guided England to victory in the one-off test match played between England and India at the Wankhede stadium in 1980.

Botham’s brilliance came during the second innings of the Indian batting when he dismantled the hosts with his excellent figures of 7/48. Thanks to the efforts of the English all-rounder England restricted India for the score of just 149 runs in their second innings.

England sealed a 10-wicket win by chasing down the target of 96 runs with ease. Botham was named Player of the Match for his 13 wickets in the game.

1. Ajaz Patel – 10/119 vs India, 2021

Ajaz Patel created history at the Wankhede stadium by becoming only the third bowler in test cricket to take all ten wickets in an innings. Ajaz’s remarkable performance of 10/119 came during the second test of New Zealand’s tour of India in 2021.

Patel’s exhibition of superb spin-bowling helped New Zealand bowl India out for 325 in their first innings.

Ajaz’s remarkable performance, however, ended in a losing cause, as New Zealand suffered a batting collapse in their first innings, getting bowled out for just 62 runs. India went on to secure a commanding victory by 372 runs.

For more updates, follow Khel Now Cricket on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, Youtube; download the Khel Now Android App or IOS App and join our community on Whatsapp & Telegram.