IND vs AUS: Meet the Bowling Titans of the Border-Gavaskar Trophy, Three bowlers with 100-plus Wickets

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IND vs AUS: The Border-Gavaskar Trophy, which was introduced in 1996, is one of the most prestigious bilateral Test series in cricket. Team India and Australia, known for being formidable teams on their home turf, have made this contest a fierce rivalry.

The trophy is awarded to the winner of the Test series. If a series ends in a draw, the team holding the trophy retains it. Over the decades, the Border-Gavaskar Trophy has been a stage for exceptional performances, especially from bowlers who have delivered match-defining spells.

Among the countless memorable moments, only three bowlers in the history of this rivalry have crossed the 100-wicket milestone. This elite club comprises one Australian and two Indian legends and all of them are spinners. Let’s delve into their incredible achievements.

1. Nathan Lyon

Australian off-spinner Nathan Lyon holds the distinction of being the highest wicket-taker in the history of the Border-Gavaskar Trophy. With 123 wickets in 28 matches, the 37-year-old has been a constant thorn in the Indian batting lineup. He registered his best innings figures of 8/50 against India in the Bengaluru Test in 2017. The seasoned cricketer has maintained a bowling average of 32.01 and bagged as many as 9 five-wicket hauls.

2. Ravichandran Ashwin

India’s premier off-spinner Ravichandran Ashwin has been nothing short of sensational in the Border-Gavaskar Trophy. Having been a part of the iconic series since 2011, he carved out a reputation for himself as the most successful Indian bowler against Australia.

In all these years, he showcased his ability to outfox batters with his variations. Rightly so, he has taken as many as 114 wickets in 22 matches. He achieved his best innings figures (7/103) against Australia at MA Chidambaram Stadium, Chepauk in 2013. He maintained a bowling average of 28.36 and registered 7 five-wicket hauls.

3. Anil Kumble

The legendary leg-spinner Anil Kumble, fondly known as "Jumbo," is the third bowler to cross the 100-wicket milestone in the Border-Gavaskar Trophy. Kumble was best known for his accuracy and ability to exploit any surface, which made him a nightmare for Australian batters.

Kumble has bagged 111 wickets in 20 matches at a bowling average of 30.32. It is worth mentioning here that he is the only Indian bowler to have bagged as many as 10 five-wicket hauls against Australia. His best bowling figures (8/141) against Australia came at the SCG in 2004.