The Oval hasn’t always been kind to Indian bowlers, but when they’ve found rhythm, they’ve made history echo through the gas-lit streets of Kennington
There's something about The Oval. For generations, it has been the stage where England likes to dictate terms and wear down opposing teams over days. But every now and then, someone from across the Indian Ocean arrives with grit, guile, and guts—and makes the hosts pause and take notice. As the 5th Test of the 2025 series reaches its climax, let's take a moment to rewind the clock and revisit the most impactful bowling spells by India's current bowlers at this iconic venue.
These aren't five-wicket hauls shrouded in flamboyance. These are hard-fought, soul-soaked spells crafted ball by ball on slowish, testing decks that challenge both body and mind.
Ravindra Jadeja – 4/79 (30-0-79-4)
Jaddu bowled with the patience of a monk combined with the mischievous spirit of a street magician. On a pitch ideally suited for seamers, Ravindra Jadeja cast a persistent spell of control and subtle movement. His figures of 4 for 79 came during England's first innings, when India needed a rally after Alastair Cook's farewell century appeared set to put them in an early hole.
Credit: ESPN
Jadeja continued to tighten the pressure. He dismissed England's key batters like Jos Butler and Ben Stokes not through a sharp turn but by coaxing errors with consistent, unfailing accuracy. England scored 332, but without Jadeja's stamina to bowl 30 overs, they might have amassed even more.
Mohammed Siraj – 4/108 (28.3-4-108-4)
It wasn't the most economical spell, but it was filled with fire. Siraj came charging in like a man who had just one job—refuse to surrender. In a match that was slipping through India's fingers from the very start, his energy served as a counterbalance to the drift.
Credit: ESPN
He took crucial wickets in Australia's first innings at The Oval, including the set Travis Head (163) and the dangerous Usman Khawaja. On a placid wicket offering little, Siraj bowled wholehearted spells from both ends, trying to restrict a towering total. His four wickets were the only real obstacle for an Aussie side that eventually accumulated 469.
Ravindra Jadeja – 3/58 (23-4-58-3)
A second-innings spell that deserves more praise than it receives. The Aussies were 123 for 4 and aiming to set India a massive fourth innings score. Enter Jadeja—once again.
Credit: ESPN
He dismissed Steve Smith, who was batting confidently. Then he tricked the dangerous Travis Head and Chris Green with his drift and bounce. In just 23 overs, he demonstrated why he remains India's most versatile spinner abroad. Jadeja wasn't just filling gaps—he was spearheading the fightback. Australia declared, but only after Jadeja made sure they didn't push India out of the game entirely.
Jasprit Bumrah – 3/83 (30-9-83-3)
It was his first full series in England, and Bumrah was still learning to convert white-ball aggression into red-ball control. At The Oval in 2018, he delivered a spell that many believe marked the turning point of his red-ball development.
Credit: ESPN
Bowling an impressive 30 overs with 9 maidens in the first innings, Bumrah targeted England's key players—getting Alastair Cook (71), Joe Root (0), and Adil Rashid (15). He was relentless, blending sharp in-swingers with straight deliveries that skidded low. Although India eventually lost the match, Bumrah walked away with bruises that would later be seen as battle scars.
