The India vs England Test rivalry is one of the most iconic and long-standing battles in cricket history. From Lord's to Chennai, the contest has seen some unforgettable moments, fierce competition, and legendary performances. While batters have often taken the limelight with big hundreds, it's the bowlers who've turned matches on their head with spells of brilliance. In this article, we revisit the top bowling performances in India vs England Test matches—feats that have defined series and etched players' names in cricketing folklore.

1. Vinoo Mankad – 8/55 at Chennai (1952)

  • Team: India



  • Venue: Chepauk, Chennai



  • Figures: 47 overs, 24 maidens, 55 runs, 8 wickets



When India hosted England in 1952, Vinoo Mankad delivered one of the earliest standout bowling performances in the rivalry. On a turning track in Chennai, Mankad used his left-arm spin to torment the English batters.

His incredible spell of 8/55 in the second innings helped India register their first-ever Test victory over England. This landmark moment remains a cornerstone in Indian cricket history and one of the top bowling performances in India vs England Test matches.

2. Fred Trueman – 8/31 at Manchester (1952)

  • Team: England



  • Venue: Old Trafford, Manchester



  • Figures: 14.3 overs, 5 maidens, 31 runs, 8 wickets



In the same year, England's Fred Trueman showed India the power of raw pace. The fiery fast bowler demolished the Indian batting lineup at Old Trafford with figures of 8/31. India were bowled out for a mere 58 runs.

Trueman's hostile spell is still one of the best bowling figures by an English pacer against India and cemented his reputation as one of the most feared fast bowlers of his time.

3. Ian Botham – 13 wickets in Mumbai (1980)

  • Team: England



  • Venue: Wankhede Stadium, Mumbai



  • Match Figures: 6/58 & 7/48



Ian Botham, the legendary English all-rounder, produced one of the greatest all-round Test performances in history at Wankhede in 1980. With 13 wickets in the match—6 in the first innings and 7 in the second—he led England to a convincing win.

This remarkable performance wasn't just about numbers—it was about stamina, swing, and sheer brilliance. Botham's spell stands tall among the top bowling performances in IND vs ENG Tests.

4. Bhagwat Chandrasekhar – 6/38 at The Oval (1971)

  • Team: India



  • Venue: The Oval, London



  • Figures: 18.1 overs, 6 maidens, 38 runs, 6 wickets



Bhagwat Chandrasekhar, the enigmatic leg-spinner, scripted history when he bowled India to their first-ever Test victory on English soil. In the 1971 Oval Test, his spell of 6/38 in the second innings stunned England and helped India chase down a modest total.

Chandrasekhar's whippy action and unpredictable deliveries made him a unique challenge. This performance is considered one of the most significant moments in India's Test cricket journey.

5. Anil Kumble – 7/115 at The Oval (2007)

  • Team: India



  • Venue: The Oval, London



  • Figures: 44.3 overs, 9 maidens, 115 runs, 7 wickets



India's spin legend Anil Kumble had many memorable moments, but his 7-wicket haul at The Oval in 2007 stands out in the IND vs ENG context. On a flat pitch, Kumble used his variation and bounce to break through England's batting.

Despite the match ending in a draw, his spell was crucial in helping India win the 2007 series in England—India's first series win there in 21 years.

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6. James Anderson – 5/20 at Chennai (2021)

  • Team: England



  • Venue: MA Chidambaram Stadium, Chennai



  • Figures: 17 overs, 6 maidens, 20 runs, 5 wickets



James Anderson, the most successful pacer in Test history, has always relished bowling against India. In 2021, during a gripping Chennai Test, Anderson produced a reverse-swing masterclass on a deteriorating pitch.

His 5/20, including a breathtaking spell of reverse swing on Day 5, dismantled India's batting order and led England to a famous win. This performance showed why Anderson is considered a magician with the red ball and ranks among the top bowling performances in India vs England Tests.

7. Ravichandran Ashwin – 6/55 at Chennai (2021)

  • Team: India



  • Venue: Chennai



  • Figures: 24.3 overs, 5 maidens, 55 runs, 6 wickets



In the same series where Anderson shone, Ravichandran Ashwin reminded everyone why he's India's ace spinner. In the second Test at Chennai, Ashwin ran through England's batting with a crafty 6-wicket haul in the second innings.

He also scored a century in the same match, making it a memorable all-round performance. This was one of several outstanding Ashwin spells that belong among the top bowling performances in IND vs ENG Test match history.

8. Monty Panesar – 6/81 at Mumbai (2012)

  • Team: England



  • Venue: Wankhede Stadium, Mumbai



  • Figures: 34 overs, 3 maidens, 81 runs, 6 wickets



Not many visiting spinners have had success in India, but Monty Panesar broke the trend. His spell of 6/81 in Mumbai during the 2012 series was key to England winning a Test in Indian conditions.

Panesar's accuracy, sharp turn, and ability to trouble even experienced batters like Tendulkar and Sehwag made this a truly memorable performance.

9. Ravindra Jadeja – 7/48 at Chennai (2016)

  • Team: India



  • Venue: Chennai



  • Figures: 25.1 overs, 7 maidens, 48 runs, 7 wickets



Ravindra Jadeja has quietly built an impressive Test career, and his 7-wicket haul against England in 2016 helped India seal a massive win. Jadeja's control and ability to exploit the pitch made life difficult for England's middle and lower order.

This was his best bowling figure in Tests and remains one of the highlights of his career, easily qualifying as one of the top bowling performances in India vs England Test matches.

10. Derek Underwood – 8/53 at Delhi (1976)

  • Team: England



  • Venue: Feroz Shah Kotla, Delhi



  • Figures: 47.1 overs, 27 maidens, 53 runs, 8 wickets



Derek Underwood, England's legendary left-arm spinner, found perfect conditions in Delhi to deliver a gem of a performance. His 8/53 completely dismantled the Indian batting in the second innings.

Known for his ability to bowl on damp or dusty pitches, Underwood's methodical bowling in this match was a big reason for England's rare away success in that era.

Conclusion

The top bowling performances in India vs England Test matches have often been the turning points of the entire series. Whether it's spin or pace, India and England have produced bowlers who've risen to the occasion and delivered match-winning spells under pressure.

These performances aren't just impressive numbers—they're stories of grit, skill, and mental strength. As the India-England Test rivalry continues, we can expect more such unforgettable bowling displays in the years to come.

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