The India vs England Test rivalry has produced many great batting performances over the years. Several legendary bowlers from both sides have played a big part in shaping the outcome of these matches. Among them, James Anderson of England leads the list as the highest wicket-taker in India vs England Tests. Playing from 2006 to 2024, Anderson featured in 39 matches where he claimed 149 wickets at an average of 25.47, with best figures of 5 for 20. Known for his ability to swing the ball both ways, especially in English conditions, Anderson was a constant threat to Indian batters.
Following Anderson is former India offspinner Ravichandran Ashwin, who was a key part of the Indian bowling attack since 2012. In 24 matches against England, Ashwin has picked 114 wickets in 45 innings at an average of 27.72. His best bowling figures in an innings are 6 for 55, and he has taken five wickets in an innings on eight occasions. Ashwin has also taken one ten-wicket match haul. His success has come largely on Indian pitches, where his variations often proved too much for English batters.
India’s BS Chandrasekhar, a leg-spinner who played from 1964 to 1979, is third on the list with 95 wickets from 23 matches. He bowled in 38 innings and had an impressive best bowling figure of 8 for 79. Chandrasekhar had a unique bowling action and troubled many top English batters with his spin.
Anil Kumble, one of India's all-time great bowlers, also made a big impact in the India-England Test rivalry. From 1990 to 2007, he played 19 matches and took 92 wickets in 36 innings. Kumble averaged 30.59 with best figures of 7 for 115. Known for his relentless accuracy and bounce, Kumble was a match-winner on several occasions for India.
Bishan Singh Bedi, another legendary Indian spinner, claimed 85 wickets in 22 matches against England from 1967 to 1979. Bowling in 36 innings, Bedi averaged 29.87 with best figures of 6 for 71, and was known for his classical left-arm spin and incredible control.
Kapil Dev, India’s greatest fast bowler, also features on this list with 85 wickets in 27 matches. Playing between 1979 and 1993, Kapil bowled in 48 innings and had best figures of 6 for 91. His role as a strike bowler and his ability to swing the ball made him a vital part of India’s success during that era.
From England, Stuart Broad also left his mark, especially in home conditions. Broad played 24 matches against India between 2008 and 2022 and took 74 wickets in 43 innings. His best figures of 6 for 25 and average of 28.51 shows his impact.
Ravindra Jadeja, India's left-arm spinner, has also contributed significantly in recent years. From 2012 to 2024, he played 20 matches and took 70 wickets at an average of 32.57. His best performance had figures of 7 for 48, and he has one ten-wicket match haul.
Ishant Sharma, India’s tall fast bowler, took 67 wickets in 23 matches from 2008 to 2021. With best figures of 7 for 74, The lanky pacer from Delhi was known for his bounce and seam movement, especially effective during the 2014 tour of England.
Finally, Bob Willis of England rounds out the top ten with 62 wickets from just 17 matches between 1974 and 1982. His average of 23.24 and strike rate of 47.43 are among the best in this list, and his fiery pace made him one of the toughest bowlers for Indian batters during the late 1970s.
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