Top Five Memorable Spells by Indian Bowlers in Australia

Indian bowlers have historically excelled in Australian conditions, delivering memorable performances that have etched their names in cricketing history. From the legendary leg-spin of BS Chandrasekhar to the fiery pace of Mohammed Shami, here’s a look at the top five bowling spells by Indian bowlers on Australian soil.

1. BS Chandrasekhar - 1977-78 Series, Melbourne

BS Chandrasekhar delivered a career-defining performance during the third Test of the 1977-78 series in Melbourne, taking identical figures of 6 for 52 in both innings. This remarkable achievement was pivotal in India’s historic 222-run victory, marking their first-ever win on Australian soil. Chandrasekhar’s masterful leg-spin dismantled the Australian batting lineup, particularly in the second innings, where he played a crucial role in bowling them out for just 164 runs. This victory was significant as it brought India back into the series after they had fallen behind 2-0.

2. Kapil Dev - 1985-86 Series, Adelaide

In the first Test of the 1985-86 tour, Kapil Dev produced a standout performance with figures of 8 for 106 at Adelaide, which remains the best Test bowling figures by an Indian bowler in Australia. Bowling with outstanding control, Kapil effectively restricted a formidable Australian batting lineup to 381 in their first innings. His precise seam movement and swing troubled the batsmen throughout the innings. Although India posted a mammoth 520 in response, the match ultimately ended in a draw, with Kapil's exceptional spell standing out in foreign conditions.

3. Anil Kumble - 2003-04 Series, Sydney

Anil Kumble showcased his spin bowling prowess with figures of 8 for 141 during the 2003-04 series at Sydney. Following stellar contributions from Sachin Tendulkar and VVS Laxman, who scored 241 not out and 178 respectively, Kumble’s spell broke through the Australian top order, dismissing key players like Ricky Ponting and Justin Langer. His accurate spin bowling put the hosts under severe pressure, nearly setting India up for a historic victory, although the series ultimately concluded in a 1-1 draw.

4. Ajit Agarkar - 2003 Series, Adelaide

Ajit Agarkar had a career-defining moment in the 2003 Adelaide Test, claiming his best figures of 6 for 41, which were instrumental in India’s victory in the second Test. His wickets included pivotal dismissals such as Ricky Ponting, who fell for a duck, breaking the Australian resistance. Although Rahul Dravid's brilliant 233 garnered much attention, Agarkar's outstanding spell was crucial in securing a rare overseas win for India, highlighting his significant contribution to that match.

5. Mohammed Shami - 2018 Series, Perth

The latest addition to this illustrious list is Mohammed Shami, who took 6 for 56 in the 2018 Perth Test. This performance marked India’s first six-wicket haul by a pacer in Australia since Agarkar’s effort in Adelaide. Shami’s aggressive fast bowling brought India back into contention despite a batting collapse in the first innings. Although India ultimately fell short in their chase, Shami’s spell reaffirmed India's burgeoning reputation for producing world-class pace bowlers and played a key role in their eventual series victory.

These iconic spells not only reflect individual brilliance but also underscore the evolution and strength of Indian bowling in the challenging conditions of Australia.