The recently concluded five-match Test series between England and India, known as the Anderson-Tendulkar Trophy, turned out to be a true spectacle for cricket fans. While batters played their part, it was the bowlers—especially the pacers—who made the biggest impact throughout the series. With challenging conditions, long spells, and relentless pressure, the bowlers delivered some of the finest performances in recent Test cricket history.
Here’s a look at the top three wicket-takers from the gripping England vs India Test series:
3. Ben Stokes – 17 Wickets
Despite missing the final Test of the series, England’s skipper and seasoned all-rounder Ben Stokes proved why he remains one of the most valuable assets in red-ball cricket. Stokes played four matches and picked up 17 wickets at a solid average of 25.24. Whether it was breaking key partnerships or striking at crucial moments, his all-round presence lifted England’s bowling attack significantly. His disciplined spells and tactical nous made him a constant threat to the Indian batting line-up.
2. Josh Tongue – 19 Wickets
Emerging as a standout performer, Josh Tongue made a big impression in this high-profile series. Featuring in just three matches, the 27-year-old pacer grabbed 19 wickets at an average of 29.05. He bowled a total of 127 overs, consistently challenging Indian batters with pace, bounce, and movement. Tongue’s ability to deliver long and aggressive spells earned him praise and established him as one of England’s promising fast bowlers going forward.
1. Mohammed Siraj – 23 Wickets
India’s pace spearhead Mohammed Siraj topped the bowling charts with an outstanding performance across all five matches. Siraj claimed a total of 23 wickets at an average of 32.43, also becoming the bowler to have delivered the most overs (185.3) in the series. His energy, consistency, and ability to extract reverse swing made him a constant threat to the English batters.
His most memorable spell came in the final Test at The Oval, where he picked up 9 wickets in the match, playing a key role in India’s win. His efforts earned him the Player of the Match award in the fifth Test, cementing his place as the standout bowler of the series.
Conclusion
The Anderson-Tendulkar Trophy not only offered thrilling cricket but also highlighted the incredible talent and resilience of modern-day bowlers. From Siraj’s fiery spells to Tongue’s breakout performance and Stokes’ all-round brilliance, these three bowlers defined the tempo and outcome of the series.
As Test cricket continues to evolve, performances like these reaffirm the importance of skillful and determined bowling—even in batter-friendly conditions.
