Most Wickets In A Test Match: All-Time Highest Wicket-Takers in Test Cricket

Cricket is often referred to as a batsman’s game; however, Test cricket illustrates that bowlers are just as important to the game. From fiery pacers to crafty spinners, the ability to take wickets consistently over the span of years is the true mark of greatness.

In this article, we will examine not only the most Test wickets of all time, but the bowlers who have excelled at taking wickets, and records such as the most wickets in a Test match. We will also look at the most wickets taken by Indian bowlers. 

Let’s get started!

What Does “Most Test Wickets” Mean?

The literal meaning of the term “most Test wickets” is the total number of batsmen dismissed by a bowler in their entire Test career. These wickets taken by bowlers represent skill, strategy, and stamina showcased over many years. 

Unlike One Day Internationals (ODIs), Test matches can last for up to five days. This makes it even more challenging for bowlers to keep the intensity for longer periods. 

Do not get confused with “most wickets in a Test match” with “most Test wickets.” These two are different, and we will explain the former later in the article. 

Who Took the Most Wickets In A Test Match? 

Muttiah Muralitharan, Srilankan Player has taken the most wickets in a test match. He established his profile on the top position in the list of bowlers with the most wickets by earning 800 wickets in 133 matches. 

List of Players with Most Wickets in Test Cricket

Here we are going to list the 10 bowlers with the most wickets in Test cricket history. The list is topped by Sri Lankan legend Muttiah Muralitharan with a staggering 800 Test wickets. 

Check out this table of the top 10 bowlers in Test cricket with the most wickets. 

Muttiah Muralitharan is the undisputed king of Test cricket with 800 wickets to his name. He is the greatest and highest wicket-taker in Test cricket. Muralitharan also holds the record for most wickets in ODIs as well with a tally of 534. In his last Test match against India in 2010, he took 8 wickets to reach the magical number 800. 

Shane Warne has claimed 708 wickets in 145 matches. He is the one who redefined leg spin bowling. The leg spin wizard from Australia is known for keeping the batters guessing most of the time. He remains one of the most iconic bowlers in cricket history. 

James Anderson has taken more than 700 wickets as a fast bowler in Test cricket. He is the only fast bowler in the list with over 700 wickets. He was known for his swing and longevity. He was the mainstay for England for many years. 

Most wickets in Tests by an Indian bowler is 619. Anil Kumble from India played for over 18 years and took 619 wickets in 132 matches. His figures include a legendary 10/74 against Pakistan. His accuracy and relentlessness defined the Indian bowling at one point in time. 

Next on the list is Stuart Broad with 604 wickets from just 167 matches. The tall medium pacer from England used to torment batters in English conditions. Broad formed a deadly duo with his countryman James Anderson. 

We have another bloke from Australia, Glenn McGrath. He took 563 wickets in just 124 matches for his country. McGrath had excellent consistency and control over his bowling. His accuracy with the ball made him lead the Australian pace attack for more than a decade. 

Next on the list is another Australian, Nathan Lyon. He has 563 wickets in 139 games of Test cricket. He is nicknamed “GOAT” by the fans for his outstanding contribution to Test cricket. He is the most successful Australian off-spinner. 

Next on the list with the second most wickets in Tests for India is Ravichandran Ashwin. He has 537 wickets in just 106 matches. He has played the fewest number of Test matches for more than 500 Test scalps. Ashwin was known for his variations, sharp cricketing mind, and match-winning temperament. He was also one of the most dangerous bowlers in IPL history. 

Courtney Walsh was one of the most threatening and lethal bowlers in the 80s. The legendary West Indian bowler took 519 wickets in 132 Tests. His best figure was 7/37. The menacing fast bowler was known for his stamina, pace, and consistency. Due to this, he ruled on the cricket field for more than two decades. 

Dale Steyn is the only bowler in this list with fewer than 100 tests under his belt. In only 93 games, Steyn took 439 wickets, an impressive feat for a fast bowler. The South African pacer was known for raw pace, fiery attitude on the field. He was a proven match-winner in all conditions. 

Most Wickets in Tests by Indian Bowlers

India has also produced some of the best bowlers the world has ever seen. From spinners who dominated on turning tracks to pacers who excelled overseas in every condition. Players like Anil Kumble, Ravichandran Ashwin, and Kapil Dev have given Indians plenty to cheer about. 

Here is a look at the players with the most Test wickets for India. 

Indian Bowling Legacy

• The accuracy and fighting spirit of Anil Kumble earned him the title of the greatest match-winner of India. 
• Ashwin is a different beast when it comes to the Indian pitches. 
• Kapil Dev is still the best all-rounder produced by India. 

These legends are the highest Test wicket takers in India. 

Most Wickets in a Test Match (Single Match Record)

Taking 10 wickets in a Test match is considered an extraordinary feat. It means that a bowler has taken an average of five wickets per innings. However, a few legends have gone even further than taking 10 wickets a game. 

Here is the list of people with the most wickets in a Test match. 

The England spin bowler Jim Laker is the person with the most wickets in a Test match. He sent most Australian batters (19) packing for just 90 runs. His record of 19 wickets remains an unbreakable record in cricket history. 

After Laker, Anil Kumble’s 10/74 against Pakistan was only the second time a bowler took all wickets in an innings. These matches are part of the tales we hear about a bowler taking the most wickets in a Test match. 

Interesting Facts About Test Wickets

• Most wickets in a Test in one day – 27 wickets fell in an 1888 game at Lord’s between England and Australia. 
• Shane Warne has taken the most wickets in Tests in a calendar year (96). 
• Muttiah Muralitharan has taken the most five-wicket hauls in Test cricket (67). 
• Muralitharan is the only bowler to take 100+ wickets against three different teams (England, India, and South Africa). 
• Shane Warne and Muralitharan both finished with over 1,000 international wickets across all formats. 
• James Anderson is the only fast bowler to reach 700 Test wickets.
• Anil Kumble is the only Indian bowler with more than 600 Test wickets.
• Ravichandran Ashwin was the fastest to reach 300 and 400 wickets in Tests (in terms of matches).

Conclusion

The list of most wickets in Tests reflects more than just numbers. It is a story of perseverance, skill, and cricketing genius. From Muralitharan’s magical spin to Anderson’s precision swing, these bowlers have shaped the history of the game. 

As shorter formats gain momentum, Test cricket remains the pinnacle of the sport. It is the ultimate test of endurance and skill. The bowlers listed here will always be remembered for their contributions to Test cricket. 

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