Bowling in SENA countries is a unique challenge as it requires skill, stamina, and just a little luck, whether on the bouncy pitches in Australia or in the swinging conditions in England. After India’s 2-2 draw in the 2025 Anderson-Tendulkar Trophy, it is evident that a good bowling attack is essential for success abroad. Here we list the top five Indian bowlers with the most Test wickets in South Africa, England, New Zealand, and Australia, with Jasprit Bumrah as the frontrunner.
Zaheer Khan
In tough conditions away from India, Zaheer Khan’s left-arm craft was indispensable for the team. In 30 Tests played across SENA countries, Zaheer’s 119 wickets highlight his talent for swinging the ball both ways, challenging every batsman. Even in New Zealand, he showed he could get returns and do so big time. He made four of his six five-wicket hauls in New Zealand. Remember his 5 for 29 in Hamilton back in 2002. Zaheer laid down the foundation for Indian pace bowlers playing overseas, and he demonstrated that Indian fast bowling can thrive outside of India.
Mohammad Shami
If you believe seam movement is difficult to find these days, just take a look at Mohammad Shami’s bowling in SENA conditions. That isn’t bad at all. Shami has 123 wickets from 34 Tests, and he takes risks with raw pace and seam movement to obliterate opposition batting orders. That 6-58 performance in Perth highlights Shami’s strength in leveraging a pitch favorable to pace bowling. Not long in South Africa, and Shami’s ability to take vital (key) wickets in South Africa and Australia has switched the momentum in favour of India, making him a cog in the away bowling unit.
Ishant Sharma
Ishant Sharma has, at times, been undervalued, but his contributions for India across 41 Tests in the SENA countries for his 130 wickets speak to the perseverance and ability he has been able to show. Ishant’s tall frame gives him an added bounce, which has made him a nightmare for batsmen behind the wicket when bowling on bouncy tracks. Anyone who remembers his righteous 7-74 at Lords in 2014 will recognize that Ishant can still rise to the occasion and bowl India to victory by himself at times. Beyond being a workhorse, he has been able to produce match-winning spells on big occasions. Players are identified in a couple of different ways at this level, and he has passed the test of pressure with flying colors.
Anil Kumble
What’s spin in the SENA countries? Enter Anil Kumble, who, going against the stereotype, took 141 wickets in 35 Tests overseas. The leg-spin great flourished on pitches usually designed for pace bowlers. Kumble’s heroic 8-141 against Australia at Sydney in 2004 forever lives on in cricket folklore. Thanks to Kumble’s accuracy, his commitment to attack, and his ability to step up when needed, India thrived beyond expectations, particularly in this region and South Africa, marking him as a spinner of international stature.
Jasprit Bumrah
At number one on the list is Jasprit Bumrah, who has 159 wickets in 34 Tests, and is currently phenomenal! Bumrah’s unusual style of bowling death yorkers and managing to seam up a delivery at any stage of the game makes him an absolute nightmare for batters everywhere. From 6-33 in Melbourne to 5-fers at Lord’s and Leeds, Bumrah’s consistency and impact in SENA nations have been remarkable. At an average of 21.46, he has completely transformed India’s fast bowling legacy abroad.
Through multiple decades, five Indian bowlers have impacted India’s success on tough SENA pitches with their talent, skill, and mentality—from Zaheer Khan’s swing to Bumrah’s express pace.
Disclaimer: This Exclusive News is based on the author’s understanding, analysis, and instinct. As you review this information, consider the points mentioned and form your own conclusions.
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