Border-Gavaskar Trophy India and Australia are two of the most dominant forces in international cricket, with both nations boasting an impressive record in the longest format. Together, they have won 14 ICC Test Maces, including the World Test Championship titles.
Throughout the years, India and Australia have faced off in numerous unforgettable Test series. The Border-Gavaskar Trophy, introduced in 1996, is named after two of the greatest cricketers of the 20th century – India’s Sunil Gavaskar and Australia’s Allan Border.
Bowlers have played a pivotal role in intensifying the rivalry, with Indian bowlers thriving in spin-friendly conditions and Australian bowlers excelling on seaming tracks.
5. Ben Hilfenhaus (AUS) – 27 wickets, 2011-12
Former Australian pacer Ben Hilfenhaus was a key performer in the Border-Gavaskar Trophy 2011-12, taking 27 wickets at an impressive average of 17.22. His best bowling performance came during the Melbourne Test, where he claimed 5/75, dismantling India’s batting and restricting them to 282 runs in the first innings. Hilfenhaus’ outstanding effort played a crucial role in Australia’s 4-0 whitewash of India in the four-match series.
4. Anil Kumble (IND) – 27 wickets, 2004
Indian leg-spinner Anil Kumble was India’s standout performer during the Border-Gavaskar Trophy 2004, finishing with 27 wickets at an average of 25.37. His best performance came in Chennai, where he picked up 7/48, helping India bowl Australia out for 235 runs in the first innings. Although the match ended in a draw, Australia won the series 2-1.
3. Ravichandran Ashwin (IND) – 29 wickets, 2013
Ravichandran Ashwin delivered one of the most remarkable performances in Border-Gavaskar history during the 2013 series, taking 29 wickets at an average of 20.1. His brilliant efforts helped India achieve a 4-0 whitewash over Australia, marking their first-ever Test series victory against Australia with such a margin. Ashwin’s best performance came in the first Test in Chennai, where he claimed 7/103 and registered four five-wicket hauls throughout the series.
2. Jasprit Bumrah (IND) – 31 wickets, 2024-25
Jasprit Bumrah emerged as the leading wicket-taker in the Border-Gavaskar Trophy 2024-25, taking 31 wickets at a remarkable average of 12.64. Bumrah’s best bowling figures of the series, 6/76, came in Brisbane during the third Test. He also claimed 8/92 across both innings in Perth and captained India to a dominant 295-run victory, further solidifying his status as one of the best fast bowlers in history.
1. Harbhajan Singh (IND) – 32 wickets, 2001
Harbhajan Singh set a record for the most wickets in a single edition of the Border-Gavaskar Trophy, taking 32 wickets in the 2001 series at an average of 17. Harbhajan’s exceptional performances were pivotal in India’s 2-1 victory over Australia in the three-match series. He claimed four five-wicket hauls and became the first Indian bowler to take a Test hat-trick during the series.