The Test cricket rivalry between India and Australia has grown significantly over the years and is regarded as one of the fiercest competitions in world cricket. Australia is a paradise for bowlers, particularly fast bowlers. The grassy pitches, offering pace and bounce, along with overcast conditions for pacers and turning tracks for spinners, create the perfect environment for bowlers to thrive in Test cricket.
The intense competition has been further amplified by the exceptional performances of both teams, with Indian bowlers playing a pivotal role. Their ability to adapt to challenging conditions and deliver match-winning spells has added a new dimension to this historic rivalry.
Former Indian captain Kapil Dev, who is regarded as one of the country’s greatest all-rounders, is the leading Indian wicket taker in Australia. Renowned for his exceptional ability to swing the ball and extract bounce even from unresponsive pitches, Kapil Dev was a consistent threat to Australian batters during his career.
His remarkable performances not only showcased his skill but also cemented his legacy as a cricketing icon, inspiring generations of Indian cricketers to excel in challenging overseas conditions. The former cricketer concluded his career in Australia with an impressive tally of 51 wickets in 11 Tests, boasting an excellent average of 24.58.
His ability to adapt to Australia’s fast and bouncy pitches, combined with his knack for swinging the ball both ways, made him a formidable force. Kapil Dev’s impressive tally includes 5 five-wicket hauls, with his best bowling figures being a remarkable 8/106. His ability for delivering under pressure and leading from the front made him a crucial asset in India’s campaigns on Australian soil.
Next on the list is Anil Kumble; the legendary leg spinner has a total of 49 wickets in 10 Tests on Australian soil. He has an average of 37.73, with 4 five-wicket hauls. Indian off-spinner Ravichandran Ashwin has also made a mark of his name on the Australian wickets. He has claimed 39 wickets in 10 away games against the Aussies at 42.15 and is also part of the current Indian team for the Australian tour. Bishan Singh Bedi, an iconic spinner of Indian cricket, has 35 wickets at an impressive average of 27.51 to his name. He has also dominated on the Australian soil with 3 fifers and a match 10-wicket haul. India’s finest modern-day talent, Jasprit Bumrah, who is one of the premier bowlers in the world, finds his name on the list with 32 wickets in only 7 tests. He would be looking to excel his record in the upcoming Border-Gavaskar Trophy.
