Let’s examine the roster of the top 10 leading wicket takers in Test cricket.
Shane Warne, Mutthiah Muralitharan, James Anderson (Images via ESPNcricinfo)
Introduction
Test cricket presents a challenging ordeal for players who must endure three to five days of intense competition to secure victory. Despite the rise of shorter game formats, Test cricket’s popularity remains unwavering.
For bowlers, Test cricket serves as a true test of their patience, stamina, and skill, as they are required to bowl continuously over the course of those three to five days.
Bowlers possess the ability to wreak havoc and contribute to their team’s triumphs. It is not an exaggeration to claim that Test cricket paves the way for bowlers to become legends of the sport. In this article, we will explore the top 10 highest wicket takers in Test cricket.
Stuart Broad’s Retirement and Achievements
Stuart Broad bid farewell to Test cricket in 2023. Despite the growing popularity of white-ball cricket, he dedicated himself to Test cricket and participated in 167 matches.
Surpassing Glenn Mcgrath, Broad secured the fifth position in the list of highest wicket takers, with an impressive tally of 604 scalps, including 20 five-wicket hauls. His economy rate stood at 2.97, and his best figures were 8/15.
Anil Kumble, the Sole Indian Representative
Among the top five wicket takers, Anil Kumble stands as the lone representative from India. In 2001, he became the first Indian spinner to reach 300 wickets and subsequently surpassed Australia’s Glenn Mcgrath’s record.
Kumble amassed 619 wickets from 132 matches, with his best performance being a ten-wicket haul (10/74). His economy rate averaged at 2.69, and he achieved 31 five-wicket hauls.
James Anderson’s Ongoing Career
James Anderson, the English paceman, continues to actively participate in Test cricket and is on the verge of surpassing Shane Warne. Making his international debut in 2003, Anderson remains a formidable force even after two decades.
To date, Anderson has claimed 695 wickets across 184 matches, with an economy rate of 2.78. He boasts an impressive count of 32 five-wicket hauls, and his best figures stand at 7/42.
The Spin Wizard – Shane Warne
Shane Warne, affectionately known as the Spin Wizard, possessed the uncanny ability to entangle opposing batsmen with his mesmerizing spin deliveries. One of his most famous deliveries, known as the Ball of the Century, left England’s Mike Gatting dumbfounded during the 1993 Ashes in Manchester.
Warne’s international career spanned from 1992 to 2007. Over the course of 145 matches, he amassed 705 wickets, with his best figures being 8/71. His economy rate stood at 2.65, and he achieved an impressive count of 37 five-wicket hauls.
Muttiah Muralitharan’s Dominance
Muttiah Muralitharan, the Sri Lankan legend, struck fear into the hearts of the world’s finest batsmen with his formidable deliveries.
At the summit of the list, Muralitharan boasts a staggering 800 Test wickets in just 133 matches, including a record-breaking 67 five-wicket hauls. His best bowling figures were 9/51, and he maintained an economy rate of 2.47.