Top 5 Spells By Ishant Sharma In Test Cricket

Ishant Sharma is one of the best Test pacers India have ever produced (X)Ishant Sharma is one of the best Test pacers India have ever produced (X)

When it comes to memorable moments in Indian Test cricket, Ishant Sharma’s fiery spells have often been the turning points that swung the game in India’s favour.

With the heart of a lion and the determination of a workhorse, Ishant Sharma has delivered some of the most iconic performances with the red ball.

From breaking the backbone of batting lineups to sending the opposition packing with unplayable deliveries, his spells have become the stuff of legends.

Here’s a look at the top 5 best Ishant Sharma spells in Tests:

5. 5/51 vs England, Birmingham (2018)

5. 5/51 vs England, Birmingham (X)5. 5/51 vs England, Birmingham (X)

In the first Test of India’s 2018 tour of England at Edgbaston, Birmingham, England scored 287 in their first innings. Ishant Sharma chipped in with 1/46, while Ashwin took 4/62 to keep England in check.

India’s reply was anchored by a brilliant 149 from Virat Kohli, who single-handedly kept India in the game. India managed 274, trailing by just 13 runs. In England’s second innings, Ishant was outstanding, taking 5/51 as England crumbled to 87/7 before Sam Curran’s counter-attacking 63 lifted them to 180, setting India a target of 194.

India’s chase faltered early, and despite another valiant 51 from Kohli, Ben Stokes (4/40) led England to bowl India out for 162, clinching a thrilling 31-run victory. Ishant’s fiery spell gave India hope, but Sam Curran’s all-round brilliance was the difference-maker in the match.

4. 6/55 vs West Indies, Bridgetown (2011)

4. 6/55 vs West Indies, Bridgetown (X)4. 6/55 vs West Indies, Bridgetown (X)

In the second Test between India and West Indies at Bridgetown in 2011, Ishant Sharma delivered a spell that was instrumental in India securing a hard-fought draw.

He bowled with relentless accuracy and pace, taking 6/55 in the first innings. The pacer dismantled the West Indies' top and middle order as India bowled them out for 190 after scoring 201 in the first innings.

In the second innings, Ishant continued his brilliance with another 4-wicket haul, taking 4/53, and consistently kept the pressure on the West Indies as they chased 281 for victory. His dismissal of the dangerous Darren Bravo, who top-scored with 73, was crucial in ensuring that West Indies could not build the momentum needed to chase down the target.

3. 5/40 vs Bangladesh, Kolkata (2019)

3. 5/40 vs Bangladesh, Kolkata (X)3. 5/40 vs Bangladesh, Kolkata (X)

In India's first-ever day-night Test match, played with the pink ball at Eden Gardens, Kolkata, Ishant Sharma delivered a commanding performance against Bangladesh.

The conditions under the lights were favourable for pace bowling, and Ishant capitalized on this, generating sharp movement and bounce. His spell of 5/40 in the first innings decimated the Bangladeshi batting lineup, who struggled to cope with the pink ball under the lights and were bowled out for 106.

Ishant’s incisive bowling set the tone for the match, allowing India to enforce a follow-on after scoring 347/9. Bangladesh never recovered, and India won by an innings and 46 runs, completing a 2-0 series whitewash with Ishant grabbing another four wickets in the second innings.

2. 6/51 vs New Zealand, Wellington (2014)

2. 6/51 vs New Zealand, Wellington (X)2. 6/51 vs New Zealand, Wellington (X)

In the second Test of India’s 2014 tour of New Zealand at Wellington, the match ended in a dramatic draw. New Zealand’s first innings saw them bowled out for just 192, with Ishant Sharma leading the charge, taking 6/51 and wreaking havoc among the top and middle order.

His efforts gave India a solid advantage as they responded with 438. However, the match turned on its head in New Zealand’s second innings. Brendon McCullum’s monumental 302, supported by BJ Watling’s 124 and James Neesham’s unbeaten 137, propelled New Zealand to a massive 680/8 declared.

Set a daunting target of 435, India found themselves in early trouble at 10/2. However, Virat Kohli’s resilient 105* and Rohit Sharma’s patient 31* guided India to 166/3, ensuring a draw but Ishant’s first-innings brilliance was the standout performance for India in a match that saw fortunes swing dramatically.

1. 7/74 vs England, Lord's (2014)

1. 7/74 vs England, Lord's (2014) (X)1. 7/74 vs England, Lord's (2014) (X)

In the second Test of India's 2014 tour of England at Lord's, Ishant Sharma delivered one of the most memorable spells in Indian cricket history, leading India to a 95-run victory and their first win at Lord's in 28 years.

Batting first, India scored 295 in their first innings, thanks to Ajinkya Rahane's brilliant 103. England replied with 319, with Bhuvneshwar Kumar taking 6/82. In India's second innings, Murali Vijay’s 95 and crucial lower-order contributions, especially from Ravindra Jadeja (68) and Bhuvneshwar Kumar (52), set England a target of 319.

England’s chase started steadily, but Ishant's relentless short-pitched bowling on the final day turned the tide. He picked up 7/74, systematically dismantling England’s middle and lower order. His barrage of bouncers proved too much for the English batsmen, with key wickets including Alastair Cook, Joe Root, and Moeen Ali. England was bowled out for 223, handing India a famous win.