India vs England 2024

Top 3 Players with most 5-wicket hauls in India vs England Test series

Anticipation crackles in the air as the clock ticks down to the epic five-match Test series between India and England, set to commence in Hyderabad in just under three days. This historic rivalry has produced countless nail-biters over the years, particularly in England. However, this time, the visitors arrive with a bold new weapon in their arsenal: “Bazball,” an aggressive, attacking approach to Test cricket, championed by their enigmatic coach and captain duo of Brendon McCullum and Ben Stokes. Whether this revolutionary strategy can breach India’s fortress and rewrite the narrative on foreign soil remains a tantalizing question, one that will captivate cricket enthusiasts worldwide.

This series thrums with history, echoing the duels of legendary giants. Records have been shattered and legacies have been forged amidst epic battles and the stage is now set for another chapter in this enthralling saga. As we build up to the series, here’s a look at 3 players who have the most 5-wicket hauls in India-England Tests:

1. Bhagwath Chandrasekhar

With his unorthodox wrist-spin action and lightning-quick deliveries, Chandrasekhar bamboozled English batsmen throughout the 1960s and 70s. His eight five-wicket hauls in India-England Tests stand as a testament to his mastery of spin bowling on turning Indian pitches. The 1971 London Test where he took 6/38, helped India earn a famous win, one of the country’s first in English soil.

Chandrasekhar’s googlies and flippers were weapons of mass destruction against the English, who struggled to decipher their dip and drift. His ability to extract vicious turns from seemingly unplayable tracks made him a nightmare for even the most accomplished batsmen. He was a true match-winner, capable of single-handedly turning the tide of a game with his mesmerizing spin.

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2. Ravichandran Ashwin

While Chandrasekhar’s legacy is built on raw pace and deception, Ashwin‘s artistry lies in his control and variations. His off-spin is a symphony of subtle changes in length, line, and spin, leaving batsmen guessing until the very last moment. His ability to exploit the rough outside the off-stump and draw batsmen into playing false shots have made him a constant threat for the English batters, particularly left-handers.

With six five-wicket hauls against England, Ashwin is fast approaching Chandrasekhar’s record. The 2016 Mumbai Test, where he picked up 6 wickets in each innings, is a prime example of Ashwin’s brilliance. He particularly tormented the English when they visited Indian shores in 2021. He will have an important role to play this time as well and if Stokes and Co. want to compete against India, they must have a strong game plan against the 37-year-old.

3. Bishan Singh Bedi/Kapil Dev/Axar Patel/Kapil Dev

Bishan Singh Bedi, Kapil Dev, Anil Kumble and Axar Patel find themselves tied for the third-most five-wicket hauls in India-England Tests, each with four to their name. Bedi, the crafty left-arm spinner, tormented English batsmen in the 1960s and 70s, his most iconic haul coming in 1977 in Bengaluru, where he decimated the visitors with figures of 6-77. Then came Kapil Dev, the all-rounder extraordinaire, who wove his magic with both bat and ball. His four five-wicket hauls against England showcased his remarkable versatility, with his 5-125 at Lord’s and 5-146 at Edgbaston being amongst the best spells by an Indian bowler overseas.

Anil Kumble, the leg-spinning maestro, added his name to the list with consistent wicket-taking performances across the 1990s and 2000s. His 6-64 in Chennai in 1993 remains a testament to his mastery of the craft. Fast forward to the present, and Axar Patel is carving his own niche in this illustrious company. His left-arm spin has already proved lethal against England, as he absolutely destroyed them in 2021, picking up 27 wickets in 3 Tests in what was his maiden series. England better have a sound strategy against Patel else it could prove a long tour once again.