The first test between India and South Africa is just about to be underway and India would be hopeful of winning a test series in South Africa for India has never won one there. India has been in South Africa for 6 times but has never managed to win a test series against Proteas at their home.
But with the new leadership of Virat Kohli and the right balance of the team, India would be hoping to create history this time in South Africa. Indian batsmen have looked in great form all through the previous year and bowlers too have found their rhythm and they would want to continue the same momentum in South Africa too.
Talking of India’s bowlers in South Africa, we have an interesting tally for you. We bring to you the 5 top spells by Indian bowlers on the South African soil.
Here are the top spells by Indian bowlers in South Africa.
1. Ishant Sharma- 4/79 (2013)
Ishant Sharma would be leading the pace attack for India on this tour as well and he has decent performances under his belt in South Africa. In 2013 at Johannesburg Ishant bowled a great spell and scalped 4 wickets for 79 in the first innings.
He looked in great rhythm and varied his line and length to get the better of South African batsmen. Amla and Kallis were dismissed by him on consecutive deliveries and that brought India right back in the game.
2. Javagal Srinath- 6/76 (2001)
In the second test of the 2001 tour of South Africa India was looking to take revenge of the thrashing in the first test. India won the toss and elected to bowl first and the pace attack was being led by Javagal Srinath and he did not disappoint. Javagal Srinath picked up 6 wickets for 76 at Port Elizabeth and the hosts were bowled out for 362. The match ended in a draw but India ended up losing the series.
3. Anil Kumble -6/53 (1992)
The first test of the series had ended in a draw and in the second test the Proteas won the toss and put India into field. India had restricted the Proteas to 292 in the first innings but India could only manage 227 in response.
Then in the second innings, the South Africans started brilliantly with a 73 run opening stand and India was being gradually chucked out from having any control of the game. Then Anil Kumble, who was only playing his 4th test came to the scene and picked up 6 for 53 and South African batting line was rattled, managing only 252.
4. Harbhajan Singh- 4/10 (2010)
In 2010-2011 India was the top-ranked test team in the world hence the South African tour had India’s pride at stake. India was defeated handsomely by the Proteas in the first test and the second test started poorly too as India could only score 205 in the first innings at Durban.
But things turn around as Zaheer Khan and Harbhajan Singh decimated the opposition. Bhajji got 4 wickets for just 10 runs in 7.2 overs after Zaheer Khan had set the tone with three wickets. India went on to win this particular test match and proved as to why it was the number one team then.
5. S Sreesanth- 5/40 (2006)
2006 saw India’s first ever test win in South Africa. India batted first and could only manage 249 but the Indian bowlers created a havoc for the Proteas as they were restricted to mere 84 and Sreesanth was the star with the bowl. The way he bowled in Johannesburg that day was just brilliant and it beautifully set up India’s first ever test win in South Africa.
Stats Source: ESPN Cricinfo
