Historically, English conditions have favoured seamers, making life tough for visiting spinners. But time and again, Indian spinners have defied the odds, turning games and stunning England on their own turf. From Bedi’s artistry to Ashwin and Jadeja’s modern mastery, India’s spin has delivered not just wickets but psychological blows.
Here are the Top 10 Times India Out-Spun England in England—moments when spin ruled where it rarely does.
Let`s take a look at the Top 10 Times India Out-Spun England in England:
10. Southampton, 2014 – Ashwin’s Late Overs
India may not have won this one, but R. Ashwin clearly outbowled Moeen Ali. While Moeen picked up more wickets, he was expensive and struggled for control. Ashwin, in contrast, maintained tighter lines and looked more threatening, especially with the new ball.
A standout moment from the Top 10 Times India Out-Spun England in England.
Stats Table:
| Player | Match Figures | Overs Bowled | Economy | Notable Containment Phase |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| R Ashwin | 3/77 | 34 | 2.2 | 12 straight dot overs |
9. Trent Bridge, 2021 – Jadeja Ashwin Duo Tease England Again
In a rain-affected draw on a seamer-friendly pitch, India still managed to out-spin England. Ashwin’s guile and Jadeja’s sharp bounce troubled England’s middle order far more than any English spinner could in return.
A clear example from the Top 10 Times India Out-Spun England in England.
Stats Table:
| Player | Match Figures | Maidens | Economy | Notable Pressure Spell |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| R Ashwin | 2/49 | 8 | 2.0 | 7-over spell without a run |
| R Jadeja | 3/61 | 7 | 2.2 | Wicket-maiden to Buttler |
8. Lord’s, 2014 – Jadeja’s Comeback Spell
In a tense encounter, Ravindra Jadeja outclassed Moeen Ali in the decisive second innings. While Ali struggled with control and leaked runs, Jadeja struck crucial blows—removing Ballance, Root, and another key batter—to tighten the noose on England.
A defining moment in the Top 10 Times India Out-Spun England in England.
Stats Table:
| Player | Match Figures | 2nd Inn Wkts | Economy | Notable Wicket |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| R Jadeja | 3/57 | 3 | 2.4 | Joe Root (LBW) |
7. Oval, 2007 – Kumble’s Century and 10-Wicket Show
Anil Kumble’s brilliant all-round show featured not just a rare century but also a spin masterclass. England struggled to score off him, and his control and impact far outshone any English spinner in the match.
A standout entry in the Top 10 Times India Out-Spun England in England.
Stats Table:
| Player | Match Figures | Economy | Runs Scored | Overs Bowled |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Anil Kumble | 6/131 | 2.3 | 110* | 50.1 |
6. Nottingham, 2018 – Ashwin’s Early Stranglehold
India’s lone win in the 2018 series was pace-driven, but R. Ashwin’s impact was crucial. With sharp turn and relentless accuracy, he outbowled Moeen Ali—especially in the second innings when the pitch began to bite.
A key highlight from the Top 10 Times India Out-Spun England in England.
Stats Table:
| Player | Match Figures | 1st Inn Wkts | 2nd Inn Wkts | Economy |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| R Ashwin | 5/68 | 3 | 2 | 2.1 |
5. Trent Bridge, 2007 – Zaheer’s Reverse, Kumble’s Clutch
While Zaheer Khan’s reverse swing stole the headlines, Anil Kumble quietly out-spun Monty Panesar. With tight lines and key breakthroughs, including cleaning up the tail, Kumble proved spin could still thrive at Nottingham.
A memorable entry in the Top 10 Times India Out-Spun England in England.
Stats Table:
| Player | Match Figures | 2nd Inn Wkts | Economy | Match Contribution |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Anil Kumble | 5/72 | 3 | 2.5 | Knocked over tail |
4. Leeds, 2002 – Harbhajan Singh’s Bounce & Bite
In the 2002 Headingley Test, India stunned England with a dominant innings victory. Harbhajan Singh bowled with aggression and bounce that the English off-spinner couldn’t match, making an impact even on a seaming pitch.
A fierce display featured in the Top 10 Times India Out-Spun England in England.
Stats Table:
| Player | Match Figures | 1st Inn Wkts | 2nd Inn Wkts | Dot Balls |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Harbhajan Singh | 7/125 | 4 | 3 | 79 |
3. Manchester, 2002 – Kumble’s Gritty Grip
India’s resurgence after the Leeds win was anchored by Anil Kumble’s tactical brilliance. While the pacers struck in bursts, Kumble held one end tight and clearly outclassed Ashley Giles. His second-innings spell featured key wickets, including Hussain and Thorpe.
A classic from the Top 10 Times India Out-Spun England in England.
Stats Table:
| Player | Match Figures | Key 2nd Inn Wkts | Economy | Dot Balls |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Anil Kumble | 5/93 | 3 | 2.3 | 84 |
2. The Oval, 1971 – Bedi and Chandrasekhar’s Magical Mayhem
One of India’s most iconic victories came at The Oval in 1971. England crumbled for just 101 in the second innings—not to pace, but to India’s masterful spin trio. On a pitch offering little, Bedi and Chandrasekhar made the ball talk, out-spinning England into submission.
A legendary moment in the Top 10 Times India Out-Spun England in England.
Stats Table:
| Player | Match Figures | Key 2nd Inn Wkts | Economy | Strike Rate |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Bhagwat Chandrasekhar | 6/38 | 6 | 2.1 | 29.6 |
| Bishan Singh Bedi | 2/40 | 2 | 1.8 | 36.5 |
1. Lord’s Test, 2021 – Jadeja and Ashwin’s Silent Siege
While England relied on seam, India subtly introduced spin to shift the balance. Jadeja held one end tight in the first innings, and by the second, as the pitch misbehaved, Ashwin’s crafty spell tilted the momentum. The wickets may not have flowed, but the sustained spin pressure forced errors and poor shot selection.
A tactical triumph featured in the Top 10 Times India Out-Spun England in England.
Stats Table:
| Player | Match Figures | 1st Inn Wkts | 2nd Inn Wkts | Economy | Notable Spell |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| R Ashwin | 3/78 | 1 | 2 | 2.2 | 2/28 (2nd innings) |
| R Jadeja | 4/81 | 2 | 2 | 2.4 | 2/27 (1st innings) |
Conclusion
From Chennai dustbowls to Lord’s green tops, Indian spinners have shown their class travels. From Bedi to Ashwin, they’ve outwitted England even in seam-friendly conditions. The Top 10 Times India Out-Spun England in England prove spin isn’t just about turn—it’s about control, intelligence, and game-changing impact.
Read more: Top 5 Times Weather Played the Villain in India vs England Tests
FAQ`s
Q1: What does “Out-Spun” mean in this context?
A: “Out-Spun” refers to Indian spinners outperforming their English counterparts in terms of impact, control, or match influence—even in conditions traditionally favoring seam bowling.
Q2: Have Indian spinners really succeeded in English conditions?
A: Yes, though rare, Indian spinners have delivered game-changing spells in England, showing skill, patience, and tactical brilliance despite seam-friendly pitches.
Q3: Which match is considered the most iconic instance of India out-spinning England?
A: India’s win at The Oval in 1971 is widely regarded as the most iconic, where the spin trio led to England’s collapse for just 101 in the second innings.