Test cricket has been blessed with some of the most extraordinary bowlers that have ever written their names into history with the remarkable skill of dismissing batters. Let’s explore the top 10 highest wicket-takers in Test cricket and see what makes them legends.
At the top is Muttiah Muralitharan of Sri Lanka, who to this day stands alone at 800 wickets in a mere 133 Tests. His unmatched skill and consistency, including 67 five-wicket hauls, make him an enduring figure in cricket history. Next in line is Shane Warne, the Australian spin maestro who took 708 wickets with his iconic leg spin, cementing his legacy despite his untimely passing in 2022.
Here is a list of the top 10 highest wicket-takers in Test cricket:
- Dale Steyn (South Africa) – 439 wickets
- Muttiah Muralitharan (Sri Lanka) – 800 wickets
- Shane Warne (Australia) – 708 wickets
- James Anderson (England) – 704 wickets
- Anil Kumble (India) – 619 wickets
- Stuart Broad (England) – 604 wickets
- Glenn McGrath (Australia) – 563 wickets
- Nathan Lyon (Australia) – 530 wickets
- Ravichandran Ashwin (India) – 531 wickets
- Courtney Walsh (West Indies) – 519 wickets
England’s James Anderson is the all-time most successful fast bowler who retired in 2024, having taken 704 wickets. He was very durable and possessed control of his craft under all circumstances. India’s Anil Kumble is ranked fourth with 619 wickets, marked by a rare 10-wicket match innings against Pakistan in 1999-a feat that two other bowlers achieved in their entire careers.
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Recently retired, Stuart Broad is at fifth with 604 wickets, which all are famous for their unbeatable performances in the Ashes series. Australia’s master of accuracy and line-and-length precision, Glenn McGrath, took 563 wickets and is still taken as a benchmark for pace bowlers.
The list also contains the names of contemporary stars such as Nathan Lyon and Ravichandran Ashwin, with 530 and 531 wickets, respectively. Lyon’s guileful off-spin has been instrumental for Australia, while Ashwin’s versatility makes him a cornerstone of India’s Test team.
Courtney Walsh from the West Indies and Dale Steyn of South Africa round off the top 10 with 519 and 439 wickets, respectively. Walsh’s towering presence and Steyn’s fiery pace exemplify different eras of fast bowling dominance.
These bowlers have not only amassed incredible numbers but have also defined their teams’ successes, leaving an indelible mark on the sport