England vs India: Top 5 bowling performances of all-time in Tests

England and India have produced some of cricket’s most unforgettable bowling displays over the decades. From spin miracles to searing seam bursts, these contests have often swung on the back of individual brilliance. 

Here are five of the greatest bowling performances in England vs India Test history—each a defining moment in this storied rivalry.

1. 6 for 38 by Bhagwath Chandrasekhar, The Oval, London, 1971

The collapse was orchestrated by leg spinner Bhagwath Chandrasekhar during India's historic first Test victory in England at The Oval in 1971. In England's second innings, he dominated the top and middle order batsmen with a devastating 6 for 38, which was essential to dismissing the hosts for 101. India achieved their first series victory on English soil by chasing down 173 to complete a historic victory.

2. 8 for 31 by Frederick Trueman, Manchester, 1952

In Test matches against India, England pacer Freddie Trueman displayed one of the best fast-bowling performances ever, just weeks after Mankad's courageous efforts in Chennai. With figures of 8 for 31 in the first innings, Trueman tormented India's top order on a green, seaming Old Trafford ground. He set the tone for an innings-and-a-half triumph by bowling India out for 125 thanks to his unrelenting accuracy and late movement. The greatest single-inning total by an England bowler against India in Test matches is still Trueman's flaming spell.

3. 12 for 167 (6 for 112 & 6 for 55) by Ravichandran Ashwin, Wankhede Stadium, Mumbai, 2016

In late 2016, India's top off-spinner Ravichandran Ashwin tortured the touring team on a Wankhede pitch that was usually spin-friendly. He returned with figures of 6 for 55 in the second innings after taking 6 for 112 in the first for England. His 12-for-167 performance supported an innings and 36-run triumph, completing a 4-0 series thumping and demonstrating Ashwin's prowess at home wickets.

4. 12 for 108 (8 for 55 & 4 for 53) by Vinoo Mankad, Chennai, 1952 

In Madras (now Chennai), India's legendary all-rounder, Vinoo Mankad, orchestrated a one-day spin slaughter of England at the MA Chidambaram Stadium. On a pivotal wicket, his inquisitive left-arm orthodox took 8 wickets for 55 in the first innings, destroying England for 266. He finished with match stats of 12 for 108 after polishing off the tail with figures of 4 for 53 in the second innings. Mankad's haul, which continues to be the highest performance by an Indian bowler against England in Test matches, was crucial to India's triumph by an innings and eight runs.

5.13 for 106 (6 for 58 & 7 for 48) by Ian Botham, Wankhede Stadium, Mumbai, 1980

On a surface that usually favoured spin, Ian Botham's performance during the sole Test of England's 1980 tour of India was one of raw pace and unforgiving bounce. Using varying bounce to uproot top-order batsmen, Botham tore through the hosts for 6 for 58 in India's opening innings. He returned to run through India once more after England's modest reply, where he also scored a 114 with the bat, taking 7 for 48 in the second innings. He led England to a ten-wicket victory in Mumbai with a match total of 13 for 106, which is still the best bowling total by an England player against India in Test cricket.

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