Most Wickets in Test cricket for New Zealand

Test Cricket: New Zealand became only the fifth test-playing nation in 1930, when the ICC granted them “test status.” They played their first ever game against England in 1930. And now, they are among the top teams in the Test format. Even so, they became the inaugural World Test Championship winner in 2021, beating India in the final.

One of the prime reasons for their success over the years is the bowling attack. New Zealand always consists of some really quick pacers and some consistent spinners in their team. In fact, one of three bowlers, who have taken 10 wickets in an test innings, is from New Zealand. It is Ajaz Patel, who took 10/119 against India in 2021. In this article, we will cover the list of players with most wickets for New Zealand in test cricket.

5. Neil Wagner – 246 wickets in 59 Tests

Veteran left-arm pacer Neil Wagner is fifth on the list. The left-armer made his debut in test cricket against West Indies at North Sound in July 2012. And he has become a familiar face in the New Zealand test team. Wagner has played a total of 59 Tests and has taken 246 wickets with a best figure of 7/39. He has also taken nine 5-wicket hauls in his career so far.

4. Trent Boult – 317 in 78 Tests

A left-arm pacer always provides an attacking option to their captains. And if we talk about some of the best left-armer in the modern-day cricket, Trent Boult will surely among them. Boult is the leader of the pack for the Black Caps across all formats. He made his test debut in December 2011 against Australia and picked up 3/29 in his debut innings. Boult has played a total of 78 tests so far and taken 317 wickets along with 10 five-wicket hauls for a best match figure of 10/80.

3. Tim Southee – 347 wickets in 88 Tests

Former skipper and veteran pacer Tim Southee is the most experienced bowler in New Zealand setup. He made his red-ball debut in March 2008 against England and took 5/55 in his debut innings. So far, he has played 88 Tests and taken 347 wickets at an average of 28.99 and is the spearhead for his team across formats. He has also taken 14 five-wicket hauls with the best match figure of 10/108.

2. Daniel Vettori – 361 wickets in 112 Tests

Former New Zealand skipper who was among the best all-rounders from his country, makes this list at second spot. Daniel Vettori was a street-smart cricketer who was an aggressive wicket-taking option for his team. He made his test debut in February 1997 against England and played his last game in November 2014 against Pakistan. In his career, he played a total of 113 Tests and took 362 wickets, including 20 5-wicket hauls. Vettori also scored 4531 runs at an average of 30 runs per innings, including six centuries and 23 half-centuries. 

1. Richard Hadlee – 431 wickets in 86 Tests

Sir Richard Hadlee, one of the greatest bowlers that New Zealand has ever produced, is at the top of the chart. He was also a fine lower-order batter for his team. He made his test debut in February 1973 against Pakistan and played for 13 years for his country. Hadlee played a total of 86 tests and picked up 431 wickets at an average of 22.29 with 36 five-wicket hauls and ten wickets in a match nine times. He also scored 3124 runs with two centuries and 15 half-centuries.

List of Most Wickets for New Zealand in Test cricket