Highest Wicket Taker in Test: Top 10 Bowlers with Most Test Wickets

Here’s a list of Highest Wicket Taker in Test as we look at most prolific bowlers in red-ball cricket.

Highest Wicket Taker in Test

1. Muttiah Muralidaran (ICC/SL)

Leading the pack is the legendary Sri Lankan spinner, Muttiah Muralidaran. With an astounding 800 wickets in just 133 matches, he remains the highest wicket taker in Test history. His remarkable accuracy, variation, and unorthodox action made him a nightmare for batsmen around the world.

2. Shane Warne (AUS)

Following closely is Australia’s spin wizard, Shane Warne, with 708 wickets in 145 matches. Renowned for his prodigious turn and deceptive deliveries, Warne was a master of his craft. He could bamboozle even the most accomplished batsmen and played a pivotal role in Australia’s dominance during the 1990s and 2000s.

3. James Anderson (ENG)

The leading fast bowler on this list is England’s James Anderson, with 688 wickets in 181 matches. Known for his ability to swing the ball both ways, Anderson has been a mainstay of the English bowling attack for over a decade. His relentless accuracy and longevity have made him one of the greatest fast bowlers of all time.

4. Anil Kumble (IND)

Anil Kumble, one of India’s finest cricketers, claimed 619 wickets in 132 matches. Renowned for his unwavering line and length, Kumble was a true workhorse who rarely gave batsmen an inch. His ability to extract turn even from the most benign surfaces made him a formidable opponent in any conditions.

5. Stuart Broad (ENG)

Stuart Broad, Anderson’s long-time bowling partner, occupies the fifth spot with 598 wickets in 165 matches. His aggressive and intelligent bowling style has earned him success against top-class batsmen. Broad’s ability to swing the ball at high pace has made him a crucial asset for England in all formats of the game.

6. Glenn McGrath (AUS)

A mainstay of Australia’s formidable bowling attack, Glenn McGrath, claimed 563 wickets in 124 matches. Known for his metronomic accuracy, he troubled batsmen with relentless line and length. McGrath’s mastery of seam and swing made him a true legend in the art of fast bowling.

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7. Courtney Walsh (WI)

Courtney Walsh, the West Indian fast bowling great, scalped 519 wickets in 132 matches. Standing tall as one of the fastest bowlers of his era, Walsh possessed the ability to generate fearsome bounce and movement. His longevity and unwavering commitment to the West Indian team made him an iconic figure.

8. Nathan Lyon (AUS)

Australia’s premier off-spinner, Nathan Lyon, has claimed 496 wickets in 122 matches. Known for his impeccable accuracy and subtle variations, Lyon has been a linchpin in Australia’s Test lineup. His ability to consistently trouble batsmen and take crucial wickets has solidified his place among the best spinners in the modern era.

9. Ravichandran Ashwin (IND)

Ravichandran Ashwin, India’s premier off-spinner, has claimed 474 wickets in 92 matches. With a wide array of deliveries in his repertoire, Ashwin has proven to be a match-winner in all conditions. His ability to adapt to different surfaces and consistently outsmart batsmen has made him a vital cog in the Indian bowling lineup.

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10. Dale Steyn (SA)

The final spot on this list is held by the South African pace sensation, Dale Steyn, who claimed 439 wickets in 93 matches. Renowned for his sheer pace and ability to swing the ball at high velocity, Steyn terrorized batsmen with his relentless aggression. His lethal bowling made him the spearhead of the South African bowling attack for over a decade.