India’s Test team is currently in England for a crucial five-match Test series from June 20 to August 4. The venues include Headingley in Leeds, Edgbaston, Lord’s, Old Trafford, and The Oval. With Shubman Gill stepping into the role of captain after Rohit Sharma’s retirement from Tests, the young team will look to make history in English conditions.
India has so far won only nine Test matches in England, and some Indian bowlers have played key roles in these challenging overseas contests. Among them, four have bowled more than 500 overs in Tests in England, highlighting their endurance and skill.
Bedi and Kumble, The Spin Stalwarts
Bishan Singh Bedi, the legendary left-arm spinner, bowled 524.4 overs in England across 12 Tests. He picked up 35 wickets at an average of 38.08. His standout performance came at Lord’s in 1974, where he took 6 for 226 in 64.2 overs. Another notable spell was in 1971 at the same ground, claiming 4 for 70 in 39.3 overs.
Anil Kumble, another iconic spinner, closely follows Bedi with 524.5 overs bowled in 10 Tests between 1990 and 2007. Kumble claimed 36 wickets at an average of 41.41. Despite never getting a five-wicket haul in England, his best was 4 for 66 in Leeds in 2002, supported by figures of 3 for 93 in the same match’s first innings.
Ishant Sharma’s Pace and Persistence
Ishant Sharma stands second on the list with 526.5 overs bowled across 15 Tests and 24 innings. The tall pacer claimed 51 wickets at an average of 33.35. His most memorable performance came at Lord’s in 2014, when he took 7 for 74 using effective short-pitched bowling, leading India to a famous win.
Another important spell was in 2018 at Birmingham, where he took 5 for 51 in 13 overs, giving India a realistic chance to win, although the team ultimately fell short in the chase.
Kapil Dev, Leading from the Front
Kapil Dev, the former India captain and all-rounder, tops the list with 563.1 overs bowled in England Tests. Between 1979 and 1990, he played 13 matches and delivered in 22 innings.
Kapil’s longevity and consistency with both ball and bat made him a pillar of Indian cricket during his time, especially in demanding overseas tours like those in England.
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