Players with 500 or more scalps in red-ball cricket:
1. Muttiah Muralitharan (Sri Lanka): 800 Wickets
Muttiah Muralitharan (Image source: Twitter)
Muttiah Muralitharan, the Sri Lankan spin wizard, tops the list with 800 wickets in 133 Test matches. His unorthodox bowling action and ability to spin the ball both ways made him a nightmare for batters worldwide. Muralitharan’s record remains unbroken as the highest wicket-taker in Test cricket history.
2. Shane Warne (Australia): 708 Wickets
The Australian spin stalwart, Shane Warne, stands second, with 708 wickets in 145 Test matches. Renowned for his leg-spin variations, Warne mesmerized fans with his artistry on the cricket field. His ability to deliver on crucial occasions makes him one of the greatest bowlers in the history of the game.
3. James Anderson (England): 690 Wickets
James Anderson (Image source: Twitter)
James Anderson, the veteran English pacer, holds the third position with 690 wickets in 183 Test matches. Known for his exceptional swing and seam bowling, Anderson has been a linchpin of the English bowling attack in Test Cricket for more than a decade. His longevity and skill make him a modern-day great.
4. Anil Kumble (India): 619 Wickets
Anil Kumble, the legendary Indian leg-spinner, is the only representative from India in this elite list. With 619 wickets in 132 Test matches, Kumble’s ability to extract bounce and turn from any pitch made him a formidable force. His contributions to Indian cricket are celebrated and revered.
5. Stuart Broad (England): 604 Wickets
Stuart Broad (Image source: Twitter)
Stuart Broad, another English seamer, secures the fifth spot with 604 wickets in 167 Test matches. Broad’s ability to swing the ball both ways and deliver crucial breakthroughs has played a pivotal role in England’s success.
6. Glenn McGrath (Australia): 563 Wickets
Glenn McGrath (Image source: Twitter)
Glenn McGrath, the Australian pace legend, claimed 563 wickets in 124 Test matches. Known for his accuracy and relentless line and length, McGrath was a constant threat to opposition batters. His remarkable career and contribution to the Aussie dominance in the early 2000s are etched in cricketing history.
7. Courtney Walsh (West Indies): 519 Wickets
The West Indies pace icon, Courtney Walsh, took 519 wickets in 132 Test matches. As the only Caribbean representative in this troupe, Walsh’s lethal pace and bounce made him a nightmare for batters around the globe.
Also READ: Ravichandran Ashwin reacts on Nathan Lyon’s 500 Test wickets milestone
8. Nathan Lyon (Australia): 500 Wickets
Nathan Lyon (Image source: Twitter)
The latest entry into this exclusive club is off-spinner Nathan Lyon. Lyon achieved the monumental feat of 500 wickets in just 123 Test matches, becoming the third Australian bowler to achieve this milestone. His crafty spin and ability to take crucial wickets have solidified his place among the greats.
Also READ: Australia announce their 13-man squad for Boxing Day Test against Pakistan
For latest cricket news & updates, visit CricketTimes.com.