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Top Five Highest Wicket-Takers In England Vs India Tests

Kaushik Kashyap

James Anderson, B Chandrasekhar and R Ashwin. [Source - Cricketopia/Criccrazyjohns/x.com]James Anderson, B Chandrasekhar and R Ashwin. [Source - Cricketopia/Criccrazyjohns/x.com]

The Test cricket rivalry between England and India is one of the most storied and competitive in the sport’s history. Over the years, countless legendary players have graced the field from both the countries, leaving a lasting impact on the rivalry.

However, more often than not, it's the bowlers who have stolen the spotlight with their match-winning performances in Test matches involving these two sides. From seaming conditions in England to spinning tracks in India, bowlers have had to adapt and excel in varied environments.

Among them, a select few have consistently risen to the occasion, dismantling batting lineups and turning the game for their respective teams. In this listicle, we take a closer look at the top five highest wicket-takers in England vs India Test matches in history.

5. Bishan Singh Bedi

India’s legendary left-arm spinner Bishan Singh Bedi stands fifth on the all-time list of highest wicket-takers in England vs India Tests. Renowned for his artistry and deceptive flight, Bedi was a master of spin bowling.

He claimed 85 wickets in 22 Tests against England, more than against any other side, averaging 29.87 overall. Impressively, 50 of those wickets came on home soil in India at an outstanding average of just 24.12.

4. Anil Kumble

Anil Kumble, one of India’s greatest match-winners in Test cricket, also features in the list of top five wicket-takers in England vs India Tests with 92 wickets in 19 matches. It's his second-best tally in Test cricket against any side after Australia.

The Bengaluru-born leg-spinner enjoyed bowling against England at home, claiming 56 of his total 92-wickets tally in India at an impressive average of 23.64, including all four of his five-wicket hauls against England, underlining his dominance in familiar conditions in this rivalry.

3. Bhagwath S Chandrasekhar

Bhagwath Chandrasekhar, India’s overseas Test hero of the 1960s and ’70s, sits third on the list of highest wicket-takers in England vs India Tests. The leg-spin genius, who debuted and retired in his Test career against England, claimed 95 wickets in 23 matches at an average of 27.27.

Notably, he took 31 of these wickets in England, including a fifer in his very first overseas tour to England back in 1967 at Lord's and an iconic 6-fer in the second innings The Oval Test later in 1971 that led India to their famous first-ever Test win on English soil.

2. Ravichandran Ashwin

India’s modern-day great, Ravichandran Ashwin, stands second on the list of highest wicket-takers in England vs India Tests with 114 scalps in just 24 matches. The Chennai-born off-spinner, who recently retired from Test cricket, was a true match-winner and pillar of India’s golden Test era.

He loved bowling against England in Test cricket, especially at home where he has taken an astounding 100 of his total tally of wickets against them at an average of 26.48, including eight five-wicket hauls, showcasing his unmatched dominance and consistency at home.

1. James Anderson

James Anderson, England’s greatest fast bowler, leads the list of highest wicket-takers in England vs India Tests. Over two decades, he troubled Indian greats from Tendulkar to Kohli, taking a monumental 149 wickets at an impressive average of 25.48, his highest against any opponent, even more than against Australia.

He is the only English name in the top five after the four legendary Indian spinners. While his command of swing bowling at home is second to none, his reverse swing masterclass in Chennai during the 2021 series remains unforgettable, showcasing his enduring legacy alien conditions as well.