List of test 5-wicket hauls taken by Indian bowlers at the MCG, Melbourne

Jasprit Bumrah holds the record of best bowling figures by an Indian bowler at the MCG in Melbourne.

The Melbourne Cricket Ground (MCG) in Melbourne is one of the most iconic cricket venues in the world. Australia are known for their dominant record at the MCG, but the story has been quite different against India in recent years.

India recorded a couple of memorable wins in 2018 and 2020. India’s success mantra has been their exceptional bowling performances.

In this article, we will take a look at the list of five-wicket hauls taken by Indian bowlers at the iconic MCG.

List of 5-wicket hauls taken by Indian bowlers at the MCG, Melbourne:

1. Erapalli Prasanna – 6/141, 1967

Erapalli Prasanna’s crucial spell of 6/141 came in the second test of the 1967-68 series in Melbourne. After bowling out India for 173 in the first innings, Australia put up a massive total of 529 runs in the first innings. Where things didn’t go in India’s way, the only positive was Prasanna’s bowling spell, in which he took six wickets.

Despite his brilliance, India lost the test by an innings and four runs.

2. 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.

After posting 256 in their first innings, Chandrasekhar’s six-wicket haul (6/52) helped India bowl out Australia for 213, securing a crucial 43-run first-innings lead. India eventually won the game by 222 runs.

3. BS Chandrasekhar – 6/52, 1977

Following up on his first innings heroics, BS Chandrasekhar delivered another outstanding performance in the second innings of the Australia vs India Melbourne test in 1977.

Defending the 387-run target, Chandrasekhar led the Indian bowling attack with figures of 6/52. India ultimately won the game by 222 runs.

4. Kapil Dev – 5/28, 1981

Former India captain Kapil Dev delivered a match-winning performance in the third test of India’s tour of Australia 1981-82 in Melbourne.

Defending a small 143-run target, Kapil starred for India with the ball, finishing with the figures of 5/28. Kapil’s sensational spell, which included key wickets of Greg Chappell and Rod Marsh, helped India secure a 59-run victory.

5. Kapil Dev – 5/97, 1991

Kapil Dev replicated his heroics at MCG a decade later in 1991. Bowling on the second day of the test, Kapil returned the figures of 5/97 to restrict Australia to 349 runs in the first innings.

Kapil’s impressive tally included big wickets of Allan Border and David Boon. Unfortunately, unlike the 1981 test, India lost the Boxing Day test this time by eight wickets.

6. Anil Kumble – 6/176, 2003

India’s most successful test bowler, Anil Kumble recorded brilliant bowling figures of 6/176 in the 2003 Melbourne test.

In a game widely remembered for Ricky Ponting’s double hundred in the first innings, Kumble was India’s star with the ball, restricting Australia to 558 runs in the first innings. Despite his brilliance, the Asian giants lost the game by nine wickets.

7. Anil Kumble – 5/84, 2007

Four years later, Indian spin wizard Anil Kumble returned to Melbourne to register another test fifer. Known for his variations, Kumble claimed 5/84 in the first innings to help India bowl out Australia for 343 runs.

However, a batting collapse in the second innings led to a disappointing 337-run defeat for India.

8. 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 spell helped India India bowl out Australia for just 151 runs in the first innings. 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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