Cricket has witnessed some of the most remarkable bowlers in history, and the top 5 Test bowlers have set unparalleled records in the game. Muttiah Muralitharan, Shane Warne, James Anderson, Anil Kumble, and Stuart Broad are legends whose skills and consistency have defined an era of world-class bowling. With record-breaking wickets, match-winning performances, and career longevity, these bowlers have etched their names in cricketing history. In this article, we take a closer look at their remarkable careers, their statistics, and how they became some of the greatest players the sport has ever seen.
List Of Top 5 Greatest Test Bowlers in Cricket History
| Player | Matches | Wickets | Best Bowling (BBI) | Average | Economy | Strike Rate |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| M Muralidaran (SL) | 133 | 800 | 9/51 | 22.72 | 2.47 | 55.04 |
| SK Warne (AUS) | 145 | 708 | 8/71 | 25.41 | 2.65 | 57.49 |
| JM Anderson (ENG) | 188 | 704 | 7/42 | 26.45 | 2.79 | 56.87 |
| A Kumble (IND) | 132 | 619 | 10/74 | 29.65 | 2.69 | 65.99 |
| SCJ Broad (ENG) | 167 | 604 | 8/15 | 27.68 | 2.97 | 55.79 |
Here’s a closer look at the legendary careers of the top five wicket-takers in Test cricket history.
1. Muttiah Muralitharan (Sri Lanka)
Muralitharan is the highest wicket-taker in Test cricket with 800 wickets in 133 matches from 1992 to 2010. Known for his sharp spin and consistency, his best bowling figures were 9/51 in an innings. He bowled an incredible 7339.5 overs and maintained a brilliant average of 22.72 and an economy of just 2.47. Muralitharan’s dominance on the field is unmatched, with 67 five-wicket hauls and 45 ten-wicket hauls, making him a true legend of the game.
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2. Shane Warne (Australia)
Australia’s Shane Warne was a magician with the ball, taking 708 wickets in 145 matches between 1992 and 2007. Known for his iconic leg-spin, his best bowling figures were 8/71. Warne bowled 6784.1 overs, maintaining an average of 25.41 and an economy of 2.65. With 37 five-wicket hauls, Warne was a game-changer for Australia and is remembered as one of the finest bowlers in cricket history.
3. James Anderson (England)
England’s James Anderson is the most successful pacer in Test cricket with 704 wickets in 188 matches since 2003. Known for his mastery of swing bowling, his best figures are 7/42. Anderson has bowled 6672.5 overs with an average of 26.45 and an economy of 2.79. With 32 five-wicket hauls, he continues to be a key bowler for England even after two decades in international cricket.
4. Anil Kumble (India)
India’s Anil Kumble was a warrior on the field, claiming 619 wickets in 132 matches from 1990 to 2008. Famous for his incredible ten-wicket haul (10/74) in an innings, Kumble was a master of variations. He bowled 6808.2 overs, with an average of 29.65 and an economy of 2.69. Kumble’s 35 five-wicket hauls highlight his consistency and brilliance as India’s most successful Test bowler.
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5. Stuart Broad (England)
England’s Stuart Broad retired in 2023 with 604 wickets in 167 matches. Known for his fiery pace and swing, his best bowling figures were 8/15. Broad bowled 5616.2 overs, maintaining an average of 27.68 and an economy of 2.97. With 20 five-wicket hauls, Broad was a crucial part of England’s bowling attack for over a decade and remains one of the finest bowlers in modern cricket.
These players not only made history but also inspired millions of fans worldwide with their skills and determination.
