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5 Highest Wicket Takers For India In Australia In Tests

Akshita Patel

5 Highest Wicket Takers For India In Australia In Tests [Source: @CricCrazyJohns/X.com]5 Highest Wicket Takers For India In Australia In Tests [Source: @CricCrazyJohns/X.com]

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Australia is the dreamland for bowlers, especially fast bowlers. The grassy pitches with significant pace, bounce, and overcast conditions are exactly what the bowlers fancy in Test cricket.

Over the past decades of rivalry between India and Australia, the latter dominated with an outstanding bowling attack. However, Indian pacers and spinners have also had moments of success that changed the face of the rivalry forever.

Among the many who have contributed to India's success Down Under, 5 bowlers stand out for their wicket-taking mastery. Hence, ahead of the Border-Gavaskar Trophy 2024/25, let's explore those 5 names who redefined Indian Test cricket.

5. Jasprit Bumrah - 32 wickets

5. Jasprit Bumrah - 32 wickets [Source: @sujeetsuman1991/X.com]5. Jasprit Bumrah - 32 wickets [Source: @sujeetsuman1991/X.com]

One of India's finest modern-day talents, Jasprit Bumrah, has made a huge impact bowling in Australia, with 32 wickets in just 7 Tests. His ability to generate pace, swing, and deadly yorkers has made him a nightmare for Australian batters.

Bumrah's finest hour came during the 2018-19 series when he claimed 21 wickets, including a match-winning 6/33 in Melbourne. In such a short span of time, Bumrah has achieved profound success against a strong-headed Aussie batting lineup, which is a remarkable achievement in India's pace bowling history.

4. Bishan Singh Bedi - 35 wickets

4. Bishan Singh Bedi - 35 wickets [Source: @piersmorgan/X.com]4. Bishan Singh Bedi - 35 wickets [Source: @piersmorgan/X.com]

Bishan Singh Bedi, one of India's legendary left-arm spinners, was a thorn in Australia's side during his career. In 7 Tests played Down Under, Bedi claimed 35 wickets, showcasing his mastery of flight, turn, and guile.

He is at number 4 in the chart of most wickets taken by Indians in Australia. His most notable spell was in the 1977-78 series, where he bamboozled Australian batters with his variations, taking crucial wickets and keeping runs in check. Bedi's efforts remain a hallmark of India's spin dominance in Test cricket.

3. Ravichandran Ashwin - 39 wickets

3. Ravichandran Ashwin - 39 wickets [Source: @CricCrazyJohns/X.com]3. Ravichandran Ashwin - 39 wickets [Source: @CricCrazyJohns/X.com]

Ravichandran Ashwin, one of the most successful spinners in Indian cricket history, has ranked 3rd by taking 39 wickets in 10 Tests against Australia. His best performances are from the series of 2020-21, in which some crucial breaks and the ability to contain runs really made a difference in India's historic victory in the series.

Moreover, his dismissal of Steve Smith multiple times in that series is etched in memory. At 38, Ashwin still remains one the most crucial pieces of India's Test setup.

2. Anil Kumble - 49 wickets

2. Anil Kumble - 49 wickets [Source: @cricketcomau/X.com]2. Anil Kumble - 49 wickets [Source: @cricketcomau/X.com]

The greatest spinner to ever exist in Indian cricket in terms of wicket taken, Anil Kumble also saw profound success on Australian soil. He toured Australia 3 times from 1999-2008 and scalped 49 wickets in 10 games.

During the 2007-08 series, Kumble peaked with his leadership as captain combined with his bowling excellence that saw him take 20 wickets in four Tests. His ability to extract bounce on Australian pitches made him a dangerous prospect, even in conditions that didn't traditionally favour spinners.

1. Kapil Dev - 51 wickets

1. Kapil Dev - 51 wickets [Source: @sujeetsuman1991/X.com]1. Kapil Dev - 51 wickets [Source: @sujeetsuman1991/X.com]

Kapil Dev, India's legendary all-rounder, remains the top wicket-taker for India in Australia, having picked 51 wickets in 11 matches. Amongst the 3 tours he played in, Kapil Dev emerged as a key performer in the 1980-81 series in Melbourne, bowling India to a historic win even while nursing an injury, claiming 5/28 in a sensational spell.

Much later, in 1985, Kapil took 8/106 in Adelaide and also ended with a career-best 25 wickets in the 1991-92 series. Needless to say, Kapil Dev's contribution laid the foundation for future Indian pacers to excel in Australia.