Top 8 Indian bowlers with most test five-wicket hauls in SENA countries

Anil Kumble has taken the most wickets in SENA countries among Indian bowlers in test cricket.

Test matches in SENA countries are regarded as the biggest and toughest challenges for Asian cricket teams. In cricket parlance, the term SENA is an acronym used for South Africa, England, New Zealand, and Australia. One defining feature of all these four nations is their pacer-friendly pitches and conditions.

While India’s record in test cricket in SENA countries has been mixed, their fast bowlers have done exceptionally well at times, especially in the 21st century.

The Indian bowlers have scripted many memorable wins for the team in these four countries. In this article, we will look at the eight Indian bowlers with most test five-wicket hauls in SENA countries.

Eight Indian bowlers with most test five-wicket hauls in SENA countries:

8. Ishant Sharma – 5

Known for bowling long spells, Ishant Sharma is one of the most underrated Indian fast bowlers. Sharma has taken five test fifers in SENA countries. Ishant’s spell to Ricky Ponting in 2008 at Perth is regarded as one of the most iconic moments in Indian cricket history.

Ishant took a total of 130 wickets in 71 games in SENA nations. His best bowling figures in these countries came in 2014 at Lord’s, where he registered 7/74 to guide India to a 95-run win.

7. Erapalli Prasanna – 5

Legendary off-spinner Erapalli Prasanna accounted for five test fifers in SENA countries. Despite playing only 20 games, Prasanna took 78 wickets in these countries.

His most memorable performance came in 1975 at Auckland, where he took 8/76, guiding India to an eight-wicket win.

6. Anil Kumble – 5

Former Indian captain Anil Kumble took five test fifers in SENA countries. Leading the Indian bowling attack for almost two decades, Kumble took a total of 141 wickets in 35 games in these countries. His tally of 141 wickets is the most for any Indian bowler in SENA nations.

Kumble boats an impressive record in Australia with four five-wicket hauls. Kumble’s best performance in these countries came in 2004 at Sydney when he dismantled the Australian batting lineup with a spell of 8/141.

5. Bishan Bedi – 5

Another Indian spin legend who features on the list is Bishan Singh Bedi. Known for his left-arm variations, Bedi was the spearhead of India’s bowling attack during the 1970s. Bedi picked five test fifers in SENA countries in a career that spanned over 15 years.

Bedi’s most remarkable performance came in 1977 in Brisbane against Australia where he picked up 5/55 to bundle out Australia for 166 runs in the first innings.

4. Zaheer Khan – 6

Former Indian pacer Zaheer Khan took six five-wicket hauls in SENA countries. Known for his swing with the new ball, Zaheer was equally skilled at the art of reverse swing with the old ball.

Zaheer took 119 wickets in 30 games with an average of 31.47 in these countries. His best bowling figures in these tests came in 2002 in Hamilton against New Zealand when he picked up 5/29 in the first innings.

3. Bhagwath Chandrashekhar – 6

Former leg spinner Bhagwath Chandrasekhar represented India from 1964 to 1979. He took 71 wickets in 19 games in SENA countries.

Chandrasekhar took six five-wicket hauls in these countries. His best performance across these tests came in 1971 at The Oval, where he picked 6/38 in the second innings to guide India to a four-wicket victory.

2. Kapil Dev – 7

Regarded as India’s greatest-ever all-rounder, Kapil Dev took seven five-wicket hauls in SENA countries in test cricket, the joint-most among Indians. The right-arm pacer has an impeccable record in Australia with five test fifers to his name.

Kapil took 117 wickets in 35 games with a bowling average of 33 in these countries. His best bowling figures of 8/106 came in 1985 at Adelaide.

1. Jasprit Bumrah – 7

The best fast bowler of his generation, Jasprit Bumrah has climbed past legends to sit at the top of this elite list.

Bumrah has an unbelievable record away from Asia. Bumrah has taken seven five-wicket hauls in SENA countries, the joint-most for India along with Kapil Dev.

Despite playing only 27 games in these countries, Bumrah already has taken 118 wickets, the fifth-most among Indians. Bumrah has delivered several iconic performances overseas but his most impressive performance came in 2018 against Australia at Melbourne where he picked 6/33 to guide India to a comfortable win.

(All stats updated till 23rd November, 2024)

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