The India-England Test cricket rivalry stands as one of the oldest and most celebrated contests in the sport, dating back to the early 20th century. Over the years, these cricketing powerhouses have engaged in intense battles, creating memorable moments and witnessing legendary performances. With a rich history and a legacy of competitive cricket, supporters are excited for the impending red-ball match between England and India.
The stage is set for a riveting five-match Test series, commencing on Thursday, January 4, at the Rajiv Gandhi International Stadium in Hyderabad. As the cricketing world gears up for this much-anticipated clash, we can look at the all-time leading wicket-takers in India vs England Test matches.
1. James Anderson – 139 Wickets
England pace bowler James Anderson holds the record for being the leading wicket-taker in all-time India vs England Test history. Having participated in 35 Test matches against India, Anderson has accumulated an impressive tally of 139 wickets. Notably, he has achieved the feat of taking five wickets in an innings on six occasions. His best bowling figures in this context stand at an impressive 5/20.
2. Bhagwat Chandrasekhar – 95 Wickets
The legendary Indian leg-spinner Bhagwat Chandrasekhar showcased his prowess against England, claiming a remarkable 95 wickets in 23 matches between 1964 and 1979. His exceptional bowling performances left an indelible mark on the contests against England during this period. Chandrasekhar’s standout achievement came from his best bowling figures in Tests against England, an impressive 8/79.
3. Anil Kumble – 92 Wickets
Anil Kumble, Â one of the best leg-spinners in Indian cricket history, made an unmistakable impact during his brilliant Test career. Kumble was strong against England, playing 19 Test matches and demonstrating great abilities. Throughout these matches, he collected an astounding 92 wickets. Notably, Kumble’s greatest bowling number in Tests against England was 7/115, demonstrating his ability as a powerful spin spinner.
4. Ravichandran Ashwin – 88 Wickets
Ravichandran Ashwin stands as the leading wicket-taker for India among active players in Test matches against England. Across 19 Test appearances against the English side, Ashwin has showcased his bowling prowess by claiming an impressive total of 88 wickets. His impactful contributions include six instances of taking five wickets in an innings. Ashwin’s best bowling figure against England in Tests is 6/55.
5. Bishan Singh Bedi – 85 Wickets
The left-arm orthodox spin maestro, Bishan Singh Bedi, posed a significant challenge for England batters from 1967 to 1979. In the 22 Test matches he played against England, Bedi showcased his artistry, claiming 85 wickets. His ability to consistently trouble English batters is evident from the four occasions he took five wickets in an inning.
Also Read, India vs England Test Series: Squads, Schedule, Where to Watch – England Tour Of India 2024
Top 10 Leading Wicket Takers In India vs England Test
| Rank | Player Name | Matches | Innings | Wickets | BBI | 5W |
| 1 | James Anderson | 35 | 66 | 139 | 5/20 | 6 |
| 2 | Bhagwat Chandrasekhar | 23 | 38 | 95 | 8/79 | 8 |
| 3 | Anil Kumble | 19 | 36 | 92 | 7/115 | 4 |
| 4 | Ravichandran Ashwin | 19 | 35 | 88 | 6/55 | 6 |
| 5 | Bishan Singh Bedi | 22 | 36 | 85 | 6/71 | 4 |
| 6 | Kapil Dev | 27 | 48 | 85 | 6/91 | 4 |
| 7 | Stuart Broad | 24 | 43 | 74 | 6/25 | 2 |
| 8 | Ishant Sharma | 23 | 37 | 67 | 7/74 | 2 |
| 9 | Bob Willis | 17 | 30 | 62 | 6/53 | 3 |
| 10 | Derek Underwood | 20 | 36 | 62 | 5/84 | 1 |
