When bowlers ran riot in Ashes: Greatest bowling performances in AUS-ENG Tests

Ashes 1934 [Source: X/@PictureSporting]

In less than two weeks, Test cricket’s oldest rivalry will have one more edition as Australia and England will go head-to-head for the Ashes glory. Since their first ever Test match till date the teams have met in 361 Test matches over last 148 years.

Often, these Test matches saw some great performance with both the bat and the ball. In this article we are looking at the top bowling figures in an Ashes Test match since the birth of The Ashes in August 1882.

1. Jim Laker (9/37 & 10/53) – 1956 Old Trafford Test

Jim Laker [Source: X/ICC]

Arguably the greatest ever bowling performance in a Test match was delivered by one of the greatest English off-spinners Jim Laker during the Manchester Test match in 1956 Ashes. Laker single-handedly derailed the Australians in both the innings, picking up 19 wickets in the match for just 90 runs.

In the process, he became the first ever player to pick up all 10 wickets of an innings in Test matches. Thanks to Laker’s efforts England won the Test match by an innings and 170 runs and took a 2-1 lead in the series.

2. Bob Massie (8/84 & 8/53) – 1972 Lord’s

Bob Massie [Source: X/@ICC]

Robert Arnold Lockyer Massie (Bob Massie) created a storm on his debut Test the most as the Australian swing bowler claimed 16 wickets for 137 runs against England at Lord's in 1972. This outstanding performance, which included 8 wickets in each innings, set a new world record for the best bowling analysis by a Test debutant, a record that stood until 1988.

Moreover, this bowling figure is still the best ever at Lord’s and also the best by an Australian anywhere. Massie's mastery of late swing bowling proved unplayable in the cloudy conditions, securing a vital victory for Australia in the series.

3. Hedley Verity (7/61 & 8/43) – 1934 Lord’s Test

Hedley Verity [Source: X/@HomeOfCricket]

The outstanding effort from Hedley Verity, the great left-arm English spinner, helped them to register their only victory at Lord’s during the entire 20th century.

It was a herculean effort from Verity as he bowled 36 overs in the first innings. It was followed by another 22.3 overs as the Australians followed on. Eventually his 15 for 104 remained one of the greatest bowling performances on the hollowed turf of Lord’s.

4. Wilfred Rhodes (7/56 & 8/68)- 1904 Melbourne Test

W Rhodes {Source: X/@Appislnp]

The legendary all-rounder Wilfred Rhodes produced some outstanding bowling performances during the Ashes 1904 that helped England won the five-match series 3-2. As England’s main strike bowler, the left-arm spinner claimed a total of 31 wickets across the five Test matches.

His best bowling figures came in the fourth Test at Melbourne Cricket Ground. After taking 7/56, Rhodes picked up another 8 wickets for 68 runs in the second innings to help England take a 2-0 lead in the series.

5. Alec Bedser (7/55 & 7/44)- 1953 Nottingham Test

Alec Bedser (Source: X/@PictureSporting]

The Ashes 1953 became significant for England as they regained the Ashes after years. Alec Bedser played a crucial role in England’s victory especially with his performance at Nottingham. He almost singlehandedly restricted Australia. He took 7 wickets conceding 55 runs in the first innings and returned in the second to claim 7/44.

It was Bedser’s magical deliveries that eventually helped England draw the first Test of the series. England eventually won the series as Bedser claimed 39 wickets at an average of 17.48.

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