Bowling in Australia is a challenge, especially for spinners, as the pitches favour pace and bounce. Over the past few decades, several Indian bowlers have risen to the occasion, delivering memorable performances in some of the toughest conditions in world cricket.

Anil Kumble

Kumble, India’s legendary leg-spinner, took 49 wickets in 10 matches in Australia. His standout performance came in the 2004 Sydney Test, where he claimed 8/141, followed by 4 wickets in the second innings. He also had significant contributions in Brisbane and Adelaide, where he showcased his adaptability on pacer-friendly pitches. Even in 2008, Kumble’s leadership and wickets were pivotal, with 4 wickets in both innings of the controversial Sydney Test and another win in Perth.

Zaheer Khan

Zaheer Khan, known for his swing and accuracy, claimed 25 wickets in 7 Tests in Australia. His 5/95 at the Gabba in 2003 was a highlight, where he dismissed key players like Hayden and Ponting. Zaheer was instrumental in India’s 2011 tour, taking 4/77 in Melbourne, and continued to show his mettle even in challenging series. His control and variations made him a vital asset on Australian pitches.

Ajit Agarkar

Ajit Agarkar might not be the first name that comes to mind, but his record in Australia is remarkable. He took 27 of his 58 Test wickets in Australia, including an incredible 6/41 in Adelaide during the 2003-04 series. His efforts played a crucial role in India’s historic win. Agarkar’s ability to strike at key moments, such as dismissing Justin Langer and taking wickets when India needed them most, made him a key player during his tours.

Ravindra Jadeja

Jadeja has been a key all-rounder for India, with 14 wickets in just 4 matches in Australia. His left-arm spin has consistently troubled Australian batsmen. He took 7 wickets in both the 2018-19 and 2020-21 series, with his best figures of 4/62 coming in Sydney in 2020. Jadeja’s contributions with the bat, including his crucial 81 in Sydney in 2018-19 and 57 in Melbourne in 2020-21, have also made him an indispensable asset in India’s plans.

Ravichandran Ashwin

Ravichandran Ashwin’s guile and variations have made him one of India’s most successful bowlers against Australia. He has taken 114 wickets in 22 Tests against them, with 39 of those coming in Australia.

Ashwin first toured Australia in 2011-12, picking up 9 wickets despite India’s struggles. His performances improved with every series. In 2018-19, though he played only one Test, his 6 wickets in Adelaide were crucial in securing a 31-run win. Ashwin’s best bowling figures in Australia, 4/55, came in the 2020-21 series in Adelaide.

Apart from his bowling, Ashwin has shown his resilience with the bat. His memorable 39* off 128 balls in the 2020-21 Sydney Test helped India salvage a draw. Battling pain and Australia’s relentless attack, Ashwin stood firm, proving his value as a genuine all-rounder.

Jasprit Bumrah:

Bumrah’s rise as a world-class fast bowler has been highlighted by his performances in Australia, where he has taken all 32 of his wickets. His breakthrough series came in 2018-19, where he took 21 wickets, including a match-changing 6/33 in Melbourne. In the 2020-21 series, Bumrah played a crucial role, taking 11 wickets in 3 matches and helping India level the series with a standout performance in Melbourne.

Mohammad Shami:

Mohammad Shami has been a standout performer against Australia, taking 44 wickets in 11 matches, with 31 coming on Australian soil. His ability to extract bounce and seam movement has made him a constant threat.

In his debut series in 2014-15, Shami claimed 15 wickets, including a five-wicket haul in Sydney. His best performance came in the 2018-19 series, where he took 16 wickets, highlighted by a brilliant 6/56 in Perth. Despite India’s loss in that match, it remains one of the highlights of his career.

Although his 2020-21 tour was cut short by injury after just one match, Shami’s previous contributions had already solidified his role as one of India’s key bowlers against Australia.

Indian bowlers have often risen to the challenge of facing Australia, both at home and Down Under. From Ajit Agarkar’s memorable spell in Adelaide to Jadeja’s all-round heroics, Ashwin’s mastery, Bumrah’s fiery pace, and Shami’s consistency, these players have left an indelible mark on India-Australia cricketing battles.

As the Border-Gavaskar Trophy remains one of the most fiercely contested rivalries, these performances serve as a reminder of India’s strength and resilience, especially in foreign conditions. With the next chapter in this rivalry approaching, the Indian bowlers will once again look to make their mark and help retain the coveted trophy.