Test cricket is a game of patience, and it tests the real ability of the cricketer. Especially when you are a bowler, it is not easy to adjust against every batter depending on the situation. But with the rich history of test cricket spanning over 150 years, this game has seen some legendary bowlers that have performed consistently in all types of conditions and against any batting attack.
This article will features some of the best bowlers in test history, who have picked the most wickets in this format. In a batting dominant game, bowling is always a difficult task. But the likes of Muttiah Muralidaran and Shane Warne are the best bowler in the history. So let’s check about some top test bowlers.
5. Stuart Broad* – 566 wickets in 159 Tests
Veteran English pacer Stuart Broad is fifth on this all-time list. Broad made his test debut in December 2007 against Sri Lanka at Colombo (SSC). He then became the backbone of English bowling between 2010 and 2020 and is still bowling well. Although he hasn’t played consistently in recent years, he is still on the English radar. Broad has played 159 Tests so far and has 566 wickets to his name at an average of 27.77. He has also picked up 19 five-wicket hauls, with a best figure of 11/121.
4. Anil Kumble – 619 wickets in 132 Tests
The man who became the strength of the Indian bowling attack between 1995 and 2005 is in fourth place. Anil Kumble was one of the greatest test-spinners India has ever produced. He made his debut against England in August 1990. Although, he was not a great turner of the ball but he had his own tricks to deceive the batters. Kumble played 132 Tests and picked up 619 wickets (most for India) with 35 five-wicket hauls. He is also one of only three bowlers in history to pick all ten wickets in an innings.
3. James Anderson* – 672 wickets in 176 Tests
One of the greatest swing bowlers, veteran English pacer James Anderson, has been going well for the last three decades. Anderson made his debut in May 2003 against Zimbabwe and picked up 5/73 in his debut inning. So far, he has played 176 Tests and taken 672 wickets (the most test wickets by a pacer), including 32 five-wicket hauls. His best bowling figure is 7/42, and he has played the second most Tests of any cricketer.
2. Shane Warne – 708 wickets in 145 Tests
The first bowler to ever reach 700 test wickets on the planet is second on the list. Former legendary Australian leg-spinner late Shane Warne was a bowling magician. Despite playing on a fast-bowling-friendly pitch in Australia, he became the best bowler. Warne made his debut in January 1992 against India. He played 145 Tests and took a total of 708 wickets with a best figure of 8/71, including 37 five-wicket hauls (second most).
1. Muthiah Muralidaran – 800 wickets in 133 Tests
Muthiah Muralidaran was the bowling legend, and as per the stats, he was the best test bowler in the game. The legendary off-spinner made his debut against Australia in September 1992. He holds the record for most “Man of the Series” awards (11) in the history of test cricket. Muralidaran played a total of 133 matches and picked up 800 wickets with a best bowling figure of 9/51. He also holds the record for most five-wicket hauls (67) and most ten-wicket hauls in the match (22).
List of Bowlers with Most Wickets in Test Cricket
| Bowler | Span | Mts | Wkts | BBI | 5w | 10w |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Muthiah Muralidaran (SL) | 1992-2010 | 133 | 800 | 9/51 | 67 | 22 |
| Shane Warne (AUS) | 1992-2007 | 145 | 708 | 8/71 | 37 | 10 |
| James Anderson* (ENG) | 2003-2022 | 176 | 672 | 7/42 | 32 | 3 |
| Anil Kumble (IND) | 1990-2008 | 132 | 619 | 10/74 | 35 | 8 |
| Stuart Broad* (ENG) | 2007-2022 | 159 | 566 | 8/15 | 19 | 3 |
| Glen McGrath (AUS) | 1993-2007 | 124 | 563 | 8/24 | 29 | 3 |
| Courtney Walsh (WI) | 1984-2001 | 132 | 519 | 7/37 | 22 | 3 |
| Nathan Lyon* (AUS) | 2011-2022 | 112 | 446 | 8/50 | 21 | 3 |
| Ravi Ashwin (IND) | 2011-2022 | 86 | 442 | 7/59 | 30 | 7 |
| Dale Steyn (SA) | 2004-2019 | 93 | 439 | 7/51 | 26 | 5 |