The Border-Gavaskar Trophy, named after legendary cricketers Alan Border and Sunil Gavaskar, is a bilateral Test series trophy between India and Australia. The India-Australia rivalry, marked by intense competition and the high caliber of both teams, makes the Border-Gavaskar Trophy one of the most prestigious bilateral contests in Test cricket. Over the history of the BGT, India has consistently performed well against Australia, winning 10 out of 17 Test series. Australia has claimed victory 6 times, while one series ended in a draw.
Bowlers hold a crucial role in Test cricket, often determining the outcome of matches through their ability to take 20 wickets, a prerequisite for victory. In the longest format, their skill, endurance, and strategy are tested as they adapt to varying conditions and exploit weaknesses in opposition batters. The unique conditions in India and Australia demand adaptability and skill, testing bowlers to the fullest.
Here’s a list of top 5 bowlers with most wickets in a single edition of Border-Gavaskar Trophy:
1: Jasprit Bumrah (32 wickets in Australia 2024/25)
India’s one of the most premier fast bowlers in history, Jasprit Bumrah, etched his name into the history of the Border-Gavaskar Trophy with a record-breaking performance in the 2024/25 series in Australia, claiming 32 wickets. His mastery of pace, swing, and accuracy dismantled the Australian batting line-up across conditions, making him the standout performer and a key factor in India’s success during the series.
Bumrah’s spell inspired comebacks for the Indian side on several occasions, even when there seemed to be no hope. His ability to extract bounce, generate reverse swing, and maintain relentless accuracy made him an unstoppable force in Australia.
2: Harbhajan Singh (32 wickets in India 2000/01)
Harbhajan Singh, also known as ‘The Turbanator’, completely dominated the strong Australian batting line-up, taking 32 wickets. His spells contain extraordinary control, sharp turns, and a knack for striking at crucial moments. The series is best remembered for his iconic hat-trick in Kolkata during the historic Eden Gardens Test, where India staged a miraculous comeback.
His performance redefined the role of a spinner in high-pressure situations and is celebrated as one of the defining contributions in the history of the Border-Gavaskar Trophy.
3: Ravichandran Ashwin (29 wickets in India 2012/13)
India’s one of the best off-spin all around, Ravinchandran Ashwin, also finds his name in this list. He was the star of the 2012/13 Border-Gavaskar Trophy, taking 29 wickets in four matches and playing a crucial role in India’s 4-0 series win. Ashwin used his variations and accuracy to trouble the Australian batters throughout the series.
Ashwin’s standout performances included multiple five-wicket hauls, showcasing his dominance on home soil. His ability to take wickets in both the early and late stages of innings made him a constant threat. His efforts were instrumental in India’s emphatic victory and solidified his reputation as one of the best spinners in the world.
4: Ben Hilfenhaus (27 wickets in Australia 2011/12)
The one and only Australian bowler on this list is fast bowler Ben Hilfenhaus. He played a key role in Australia’s 2011/12 Border-Gavaskar Trophy victory, taking 27 wickets in four matches. Known for his ability to swing the ball both ways, Hilfenhaus consistently troubled the Indian batters with his accuracy and movement.
His standout spells included crucial breakthroughs that turned matches in Australia’s favor, helping the team secure a dominant 4-0 series win. Hilfenhaus’s performance in the series remains one of the highlights of his Test career.
5: Anil Kumble (27 wickets in India 2004/05)
The best legspinner to ever play for India, Anil Kumble is also a key player in the history of the Border-Gavaskar Trophy. In the 2004/05 Border-Gavaskar Trophy, the legendary bowler claimed 27 wickets in four matches. His control, flight, and ability to extract sharp turns were key factors in dismantling the Australian batting line-up. Kumble’s performances included a match-winning five-wicket haul in Chennai, where his skill was on full display.
His leadership and experience were instrumental in India’s success, and his contributions helped secure a hard-fought 2-1 series win, making it one of the highlights of his career.
