Test cricket in India has often been a stage for spinners to showcase their artistry, especially when conditions favour them. In a rare and remarkable feat, there have been instances where spinners have claimed all ten wickets of a side’s first innings on the very first day of a Test match. The most recent example of this occurred during the second Test between India and New Zealand in 2024.
Instances where spinners grabbed all ten first-innings wickets on Day 1 of a Test match in India
1. India vs New Zealand, Pune, 2024
The most recent example of this incredible achievement occurred on Day 1 of the second Test between India and New Zealand at the Maharashtra Cricket Association Stadium in Pune. The Indian spinners, led by Washington Sundar and Ravichandran Ashwin, ran through the New Zealand batting order, dismissing them for 259. Sundar was the standout performer, taking 7 wickets at an impressive economy of 2.50, while Ashwin chipped in with 3 wickets. The spinners’ dominant display set the tone for the match from the very first day.
2. India vs England, Dharamshala, 2024
In another recent encounter, this time during the fifth Test between India and England at Dharamshala, the spinners once again took center stage. England were bowled out for 218 in their first innings, with Kuldeep Yadav leading the charge with a five-wicket haul. Ashwin was once again among the wickets, claiming 4, while Ravindra Jadeja added 1 to complete the spin dominance. This marked yet another instance of Indian spinners making full use of home conditions to dismantle a visiting side.
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3. India vs England, Chennai, 1973
Back in January 1973, in the third Test between India and England at Chennai’s iconic MA Chidambaram Stadium, spinners once again stole the show. England were dismissed for 242 on Day 1, with Bhagwath Chandrasekhar emerging as the star, claiming 6 wickets. Bishan Bedi and Erapalli Prasanna contributed 2 wickets each, making it a complete spin affair. The pitch in Chennai was notoriously spin-friendly, and Chandrasekhar’s performance was pivotal in India’s strategy.
4. India vs Australia, Chennai, 1964
During the third Test between India and Australia in October 1964, spinners led India’s attack on the opening day, bowling Australia out for 211 at the Nehru Stadium in Chennai. Left-arm spinner Salim Durani took 2 wickets, while AG Kripal Singh added 3. However, the star of the show was Bapu Nadkarni, who claimed a five-wicket haul. Despite India eventually losing the match by 139 runs, the first-day spin dominance was a memorable aspect of the game.
5. India vs Australia, Kolkata, 1956
One of the earlier instances of this feat occurred during the third Test between India and Australia in November 1956 at Eden Gardens, Kolkata. Australia were bowled out for 177 on Day 1, thanks to a spectacular performance by Indian spinners. Ghulam Ahmed was the standout, taking 7 wickets, while Vinoo Mankad and Subhash Gupte shared the remaining three wickets. Despite their efforts, India could not capitalize, and Australia eventually won the match by 94 runs.
6. England vs India, Kanpur, 1952
One of the earliest records of spinners taking all ten wickets on Day 1 of a Test match in India came in January 1952, during the fourth Test between England and India in Kanpur. However, this time it was England’s spinners who dominated, dismissing India for just 121 runs in their first innings. Left-arm spinner Malcolm Hilton took 4 wickets, while right-arm off-spinner Roy Tattersall was brilliant, claiming 6 wickets. The English spinners exploited the conditions perfectly to secure a strong start to the match.