This highlights 3 Indian bowlers who delivered exceptional performances against Australia in Test series, achieving record-breaking wicket tallies. Their mastery with the ball played a crucial role in securing memorable victories and cementing India’s dominance in key cricketing battles.
3. Bishan Singh Bedi – 31 Wickets
Bishan Singh Bedi, a pioneer of left-arm spin in India, had a standout performance during the 1977-78 tour of Australia. He emerged as the series’ leading wicket-taker, claiming 31 wickets in five matches at an average of 23.87. His best figures, 5/51 at the Gabba, highlighted his skill and precision. This remarkable display secured his spot as the third-highest Indian wicket-taker in a Test series against Australia. Bedi, who passed away in 2023, represented India in 67 Tests, taking 266 wickets, and his lasting legacy continues to inspire Indian spin bowling.
2. Harbhajan Singh – 32 Wickets
Harbhajan Singh’s heroics during the 2001 Australia tour of India remain a defining chapter in Test cricket history. Delivering a stellar performance, he claimed 32 wickets in four Tests at an average of 17—the highest by an Indian spinner in a series against Australia. After a modest start in Mumbai, Harbhajan turned the tide in Kolkata with a historic hat-trick, dismissing Ponting, Gilchrist, and Warne, becoming the first Indian to achieve this feat in Tests. His dominance continued in Chennai, where his career-best 8/84 sealed India’s series victory, cementing his legacy in Indian cricket.
1. Jasprit Bumrah – 32 Wickets
Jasprit Bumrah has revolutionized Indian fast bowling, with his remarkable showing in the recent Border-Gavaskar Trophy setting new benchmarks. He claimed a record 32 wickets in nine innings against Australia, averaging an incredible 13.06. His standout performance came in Brisbane, where he registered 6/76. Across the series, Bumrah delivered consistently, notching up two four-wicket hauls and three five-wicket hauls. Though a back spasm during the Sydney Test cut short his participation, his exceptional contributions firmly established him as a game-changer in the series.