The Sydney Cricket Ground (SCG) stands as one of the world’s most iconic cricket venues, celebrated for its batting-friendly conditions. However, it has proven to be a challenging ground for India, with the team securing just one victory in 13 Test matches at the venue. The SCG holds a special place in Indian cricket history, notably for Sachin Tendulkar’s masterful 241 in 2004 and Ravi Shastri’s explosive 206 in 1992. Additionally, Indian bowlers have delivered some remarkable performances on this historic ground.
5. Karsan Ghavri – 5/107, 1981
In the first Test of India’s 1981 tour of Australia at the SCG, pacer Karsan Ghavri delivered a stellar performance, claiming 5/107 on the opening day. His scalps included star batsmen Greg Chappell and Rod Marsh, helping India restrict Australia to 406. Despite Ghavri’s brilliance, India’s second-innings batting collapse resulted in a defeat by an innings and four runs.
4. Kuldeep Yadav – 5/99, 2019
Kuldeep Yadav’s left-arm wrist spin shone in the Sydney Test of the 2018/19 Border-Gavaskar Trophy. After Cheteshwar Pujara’s mammoth 193 set the tone, Kuldeep dismantled the Australian lineup with figures of 5/99, bowling out the hosts for 300. Rain interruptions on Days 4 and 5 forced the match to end in a draw, but Kuldeep’s spell was a highlight of the series.
3. Shivlal Yadav – 6/99, 1986
Shivlal Yadav’s exceptional performance in the 1985-86 series at the SCG was instrumental in India’s efforts to dominate Australia. After India posted an imposing total of 600/4, Yadav’s spell of 6/99 restricted Australia to 396 in their first innings. His impressive bowling display helped India take control of the match. In the second innings, Yadav continued his dominance, picking up 3/19, as India looked set for a victory.
However, Australia’s resilient batting, led by Allan Border and others, ensured they survived, and the match ended in a draw. Despite the draw, Yadav’s all-round performance was a standout, and his contributions were crucial in India’s bid for a historic win. The Player of the Match award was given to Kris Srikkanth for his outstanding century, but Yadav’s efforts with the ball played a key role in putting India in a strong position.
2. Kapil Dev – 5/97, 1981
Kapil Dev’s 5/97 in the opening Test of India’s 1981 tour of Australia at Sydney showcased his legendary all-rounder prowess. Despite India’s modest first-innings total of 201, Kapil’s fiery spell gave the visitors a fighting chance by reducing Australia to 406. However, India’s batting faltered again, resulting in a loss by an innings and four runs.
1. Anil Kumble – 8/141, 2004
Anil Kumble’s record-breaking 8/141 at the SCG in 2004 remains the best bowling performance by an Indian at the venue. Bowling 46.5 overs, Kumble’s relentless accuracy and guile, including a flipper to dismiss Ricky Ponting, decimated Australia for 474 in their first innings. Despite his efforts, the match ended in a draw as Australia resisted India’s chase on the final day.
| Rank | Bowler | Figures | Year | Match Highlights |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Anil Kumble | 8/141 | 2004 | Delivered a record-breaking spell, bowling 46.5 overs with unrelenting accuracy. Notable dismissal: Ricky Ponting via a flipper. |
| 2 | Kapil Dev | 5/97 | 1981 | Displayed legendary all-rounder skills, reducing Australia to 406 after India managed 201. The match ended in a loss due to India’s batting collapse. |
| 3 | Shivlal Yadav | 6/99 | 1986 | Crucial in limiting Australia to 396 after India posted 600/4. Continued dominance with 3/19 in the second innings, forcing a draw. Kris Srikkanth earned Player of Match. |
| 4 | Kuldeep Yadav | 5/99 | 2019 | Dismantled Australia with his left-arm wrist spin during the Border-Gavaskar Trophy. Despite rain interruptions, his spell was the series highlight. |
| 5 | Karsan Ghavri | 5/107 | 1981 | Took crucial wickets, including Greg Chappell and Rod Marsh, restricting Australia to 406. Despite his efforts, India lost by an innings and 4 runs. |
