Top 5 Indian bowlers with most test wickets against England in England

One Indian bowler has claimed more than 50 test wickets against England in England.

The Indian Cricket Team and the England Cricket Team are amongst the top test-playing nations. Their rivalry goes back to 1932, when India toured England for the first time to play at the Lord’s Cricket Ground in London. Since then, both sides have faced each other in over 130 test matches so far, out of which England have won over 50, while India have registered wins in over 35 games.

The Indian Cricket Team have a dismal record in England in the longest format of the game. Out of 67 matches, India have won only nine games and lost 36 matches, including 22 draws. Therefore, every tour in England has tested the mettle of Indian cricketers over the years.

Moreover, Indian bowlers have always faced an uphill challenge in England due to the seam-friendly and swinging conditions. However, some bowlers have been quite successful despite these daunting challenges. Interestingly, one Indian bowler has clinched more than 50 scalps against the Three Lions in their home.

On that note, let’s glance at the top five Indian bowlers with the most wickets against England in England.

Top 5 Indian bowlers with most test wickets against England in England

5. Anil Kumble- 36

Former Indian captain Anil Kumble bags the fifth place on this list with 36 wickets against England in England. The former leg spinner played ten tests and held a bowling average of 41.41.

Anil Kumble’s best bowling show came in the 2002 and 2007 tours as he clinched 14 wickets across three tests on both occasions. His best bowling show in an innings was 4/66, which he captured in August 2002 at Headingley, Leeds.

4. Jasprit Bumrah- 37

Indian speedster Jasprit Bumrah has picked 37 wickets against England in their own backyard in nine tests so far at an average of 26.27. The right-arm pacer has also bagged two five-wicket hauls in England across 17 innings. Picking 23 scalps across five matches, Bumrah displayed an impeccable bowling performance in the 2021-22 tour.

3. Mohammed Shami- 42

Mohammed Shami is another Indian bowler with a fabulous record in England. At an average of 40.50, Shami has scalped 42 wickets in 14 tests. Since 2014, Shami has visited England on three occasions.

His best performance came in the 2018 series, when he clinched 16 wickets in five games. During the tour, he also recorded his best bowling figures of 4/57 at The Rose Bowl in Southampton.

2. Kapil Dev- 43

Former India captain Kapil Dev snatches the second spot on this list with 43 wickets against England at an average of 39.18. The former all-rounder played 13 tests in England and claimed two five-wicket hauls, including a best bowling show of 5/125 at the Lord’s in June 1982.

From 1979 to 1990, Dev toured England four times and delivered his best performance in his maiden series in 1979 by picking 16 scalps across four tests.

1. Ishant Sharma- 51

Ishant Sharma is the most successful Indian bowler against England in England in tests. The right-arm pacer, who played 105 tests, took 51 wickets across 15 tests against England in England.

With a bowling average of 33.35, Sharma also accounts for a seven-wicket haul against England, which he claimed during India’s infamous win at the Lord’s in July 2014. He scalped 18 scalps across five games in the 2018 tour – his best show across four tours.

(All stats updated till 17th June, 2025)

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