Top 5 Indian bowlers with most wickets at the MCG in test cricket

Eight Indian bowlers have taken 10 or more wickets at MCG in test cricket.

The Melbourne Cricket Ground (MCG) is perhaps the most famous cricket venue in Australia. This iconic venue has hosted numerous memorable matches across all formats, including the ICC Cricket World Cup finals in 1992 and 2015.

Despite having one of the largest boundaries among Australian cricket venues, the MCG is typically suited for batting. Unlike other venues such as Perth and Brisbane, Melbourne has witnessed significantly more high-scoring games, including some dull draws as it used to offer flat pitches.

The MCG holds fond memories for the Indian Cricket Team as well. The Asian giants have scripted a few memorable victories on this ground. While Indian batters have been key to their success for decades, some of the Indian bowlers have performed exceedingly well at the MCG.

On that note, let’s take a look top five Indian bowlers with most wickets at MCG in test cricket.

Top five Indian bowlers with most wickets at the MCG in test cricket:

5. Umesh Yadav – 13 wickets

Indian speedster Umesh Yadav picked up 13 wickets in three games in Melbourne at an average of 33.76. Known for his rattling pace, Yadav played his first test at the venue in 2011.

Umesh’s best bowling figures at the MCG are 4/70, which came in 2011 when he helped India bowl out Australia for 240 runs in the second innings. Yadav last featured for India in a test match in 2023.

4. Kapil Dev – 14 wickets

India’s greatest all-rounder, Kapil Dev claimed 14 wickets in three tests in Melbourne at an average of 20.50. His impressive tally includes two five-wicket hauls.

Kapil’s best performance with the ball at the venue came in 1981, when he took 5/28 to help India seal a memorable 59-run win.

3. Ravichandran Ashwin – 14 wickets

India’s greatest off-spinner, Ravichandran Ashwin is known for his wide array of variations. Ashwin took 14 wickets in three tests in Melbourne at an average of 32.57.

His most remarkable performance at the venue came in 2020 when he finished with figures of 3/35 in the first innings and played a key role in India’s win.

The Chennai-born cricketer retired from international cricket in the middle of the 2024/25 Australian tour.

2. Anil Kumble – 15 wickets

Nicknamed “Jumbo,” legendary leg-spinner Anil Kumble is India’s most successful test bowler with 619 wickets.

Kumble boasts a good record at the MCG – 15 wickets in three tests at an average of 37.00. Kumble’s impressive numbers at the venue include two test fifers.

His best individual performance at Melbourne came in 2003, where he picked 6/176 in the first innings of the game.

1. Jasprit Bumrah – 15 wickets

Jasprit Bumrah has the joint-most test wickets by an Indian bowler at the MCG with 15 wickets in two test matches at a superb average of 13.06 including a five-wicket haul.

Bumrah’s best performance in Melbourne came in 2018, where he took 6/33 in the first innings to help India secure a dominant 137-run victory.

(All stats are updated till 20th December 2024)

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