With over 149 wickets against India, James Anderson has carved out a special chapter in this rivalry
James Anderson didn’t just bowl against India — he shaped contests. He dismissed India’s best batters across formats and generations, swinging the ball with late precision and cold intent. From Rahul Dravid to Virat Kohli, few Indian stars have escaped his grasp.
Across 39 Tests against India from 2006 to 2024, Anderson has taken 149 wickets at 25.47, with six five-wicket hauls. At Lord’s, Trent Bridge, Edgbaston, or even Southampton, he’s found ways to challenge India’s top and middle order.
Here’s a look at five of his most clinical five-wicket hauls — moments that changed matches, quietened crowds, and pushed India into corners.
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India batted first in overcast conditions. Anderson saw the opportunity and seized it. He dismissed Murali Vijay, KL Rahul, and Ajinkya Rahane — all caught behind — within his first 10 overs. His 13.2-over spell finished with figures of 5 for 20, including five maidens and an economy rate of just 1.50.
India crumbled to 107 all out. England amassed 396, and India then collapsed again to 130, losing the Test by an innings and 159 runs. This was swing bowling at its purest — relentless, accurate, and unforgiving.
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In his early days, Anderson wasn’t always consistent. But in this Test, he locked into rhythm from the outset. With India replying to England’s 298, Anderson tore through the top order, dismissing Sachin Tendulkar, Rahul Dravid, and Sourav Ganguly.
He finished with 5 for 42 in 24.2 overs — a long, draining spell that shifted the game’s balance. Although rain saved India on the final day with them at 282/9, this was Anderson’s declaration. He could now lead an attack, not just support it.
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After a poor performance at Lord’s, England needed a comeback at the Ageas Bowl. India had already conceded 569/7 declared, and the match was slipping away.
Anderson, operating with relentless discipline, finished with 5 for 53 in the first innings. His control prompted false shots and indecision from the batting side. He returned with 2 more wickets in the second innings, ending with 7 in the match.
India was bowled out for 330 and 178, and England eased to a 266-run victory. This wasn’t a demolition — it was a gradual squeeze.
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Age had nothing on Anderson in 2022. In the fifth Test at Edgbaston, India batted first and scored 416, but not before Anderson left a mark.
He struck early, removing Shubman Gill and Pujara. Later, he dismissed Shreyash Iyer, Ravindra Jadeja and Mohammed Siraj, demonstrating there was no easy entry against him.
With figures of 5 for 60 in 21.5 overs, he helped keep England alive in the game. They eventually chased down 378 — their highest-ever fourth-innings target — and Anderson had once again made his contribution.
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India scored 364 in the first innings, and Anderson stood out amid the chaos. With 5 for 62 from 29 overs, he demonstrated stamina and skill simultaneously. He bowled through pain and pressure, dismissing Indian batting powerhouses like Rohit Sharma, Pujara, Rahane — all with precise, calculated plans.
India went on to win that Test by 151 runs, but Anderson’s spell remains one of the finest solo efforts in a team defeat.
