The India vs England Test rivalry has been one of cricket’s richest sagas, where the red ball tells stories of grit, class, and clutch moments. Over the decades, while centuries and partnerships have drawn headlines, it’s often been a single spell of bowling that’s turned the tide of a Test match. From magic with reverse swing to torment with turn, certain spells have not only shifted momentum but redefined the outcome of games that seemed destined to go another way. This list dives into 10 such iconic bowling performances, where one bowler’s brilliance carved out a moment of history in the India vs England Test rivalry.

10. Monty Panesar – 6/81 at Mumbai, 2012 (Second Innings)

Top 10 Spells That Turned the Game in India vs England Tests

Monty Panesar’s left-arm spin was the surprise package in England’s rare series win in India. On a raging turner, Panesar out-bowled the famed Indian spinners. His spell against Tendulkar and Sehwag showcased control, flight, and deception. It turned the Test on its head and gave England the belief they could conquer India at home.

Overs	Maidens	Runs	Wickets	Econ	Match Result
34.3	5	81	6	2.34	England won by 10 wickets

9. Bhuvneshwar Kumar – 6/82 at Lord’s, 2014 (First Innings)

Swing, swing, and more swing. Bhuvneshwar Kumar turned Lord’s into his playground, moving the ball both ways and dismantling England’s top order. His dismissals of Cook and Bell were classical seam-bowling exhibitions. It gave India a crucial first-innings lead and laid the foundation for the eventual victory.

Overs	Maidens	Runs	Wickets	Econ	Match Result
30.1	5	82	6	2.71	India won by 95 runs

8. Ravichandran Ashwin – 6/55 at Chennai, 2016 (Second Innings)

Ashwin sealed a record-breaking 4-0 series win for India with a masterclass in off-spin. On a turning pitch, he toyed with England’s batters, varying pace, flight, and angle. His spell on the final day ripped through England, as India completed their most comprehensive home series win against the English.

Overs	Maidens	Runs	Wickets	Econ	Match Result
19.2	3	55	6	2.84	India won by an innings and 75 runs

7. Andrew Flintoff – 4/70 at Mumbai, 2006 (Second Innings)

Leading a depleted England side, Flintoff rose like a colossus. With the pitch turning and dust flying, Flintoff bowled reverse swing and cutters to perfection. He removed Tendulkar and Dravid, India’s biggest threats and turned the Test. His leadership and lion-hearted bowling stunned the Wankhede crowd.

Overs	Maidens	Runs	Wickets	Econ	Match Result
24	8	70	4	2.91	England won by 212 runs

6. Mohammad Shami – 4/95 at Lord’s, 2021 (Second Innings)

While Shami didn’t grab a five-for, it was the timing of his wickets and relentless lines that turned the game. After his gritty 56* with the bat, he came out firing with the ball, removing the well-set Jos Buttler and causing chaos with reverse swing. His aggression and control rattled the lower middle order and opened the gates for Bumrah to finish it off.

Overs	Maidens	Runs	Wickets	Econ	Match Result
19	3	95	4	5.00	India won by 151 runs

5. Harbhajan Singh – 6/33 at Mumbai, 2001 (Second Innings)

The “Turbanator” was on a mission. After a balanced match, Harbhajan unleashed fury on the final day as England attempted to chase 152. With a vicious turn and bounce, he scythed through England’s lineup. The ball that bowled Michael Vaughan through the gate remains iconic. It was a defining moment for Harbhajan, marking the beginning of his dominance in home conditions.

Overs	Maidens	Runs	Wickets	Econ	Match Result
15.1	6	33	6	2.17	India won by 10 wickets

4. Stuart Broad – 6/25 at Manchester, 2014 (First Innings)

Stuart Broad steamrolled through India’s batting in a hostile spell full of venom and swing. His short-ball tactics dismantled the top order, removing Pujara, Kohli, and Rahane. India were bundled out for a paltry 152 and never recovered. Broad’s ability to hit the deck hard and keep the ball moving proved too much.

Overs	Maidens	Runs	Wickets	Econ	Match Result
13.4	4	25	6	1.83	England won by an innings and 54 runs

3. Anil Kumble – 7/115 at The Oval, 2007 (First Innings)

With India aiming to seal the series, Anil Kumble showcased why he was India’s go-to man in crisis. On a flat Oval pitch, where bowlers toiled without returns, Kumble worked his magic through persistence, bounce, and accuracy. His spell curtailed England’s lead, provided momentum to India, and also marked his maiden Test century later in the same match, a true all-round impact.

Overs	Maidens	Runs	Wickets	Econ	Match Result
44.3	10	115	7	2.58	Match Drawn

2. Ishant Sharma – 7/74 at Lord’s, 2014 (Second Innings)

Call it the ‘short-ball massacre.’ At the historic Lord’s ground, on a docile Day 5 pitch, Ishant Sharma turned into a fire-breathing dragon. Bowling bouncer after bouncer, he triggered a collapse by removing Moeen Ali, Ben Stokes, and Joe Root. England went from favourites to stunned spectators in their backyard. It was the spell that helped India register their first win at Lord’s in 28 years.

Overs	Maidens	Runs	Wickets	Econ	Match Result
23	3	74	7	3.21	India won by 95 runs

1. Jasprit Bumrah – 5/64 at The Oval, 2021 (Second Innings)

In one of the most electric moments of modern-day Test cricket, Jasprit Bumrah produced a spell that blew England’s resistance to bits. After India set a mammoth 368-run target in the fourth innings, England seemed poised for a draw. Enter Bumrah with reverse swing, searing yorkers, and an energy that surged through the field. His delivery that castled Ollie Pope a fast, reverse-swinging yorker was hailed as one of the balls of the series. In just six overs, Bumrah shattered England’s spine and India went on to record a famous win.

Overs	Maidens	Runs	Wickets	Econ	Match Result
22	9	64	5	2.90	India won by 157 runs

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