Test cricket, the oldest and most challenging format, started in the 19th century when bowlers thrived on bowler-friendly pitches. Over the years, rules and conditions have evolved.
After 146 years, the sport boasts many legendary bowlers, with the 1990s and 2000s being especially memorable for thrilling battles between top batsmen and bowlers. Muttiah Muralitharan of Sri Lanka tops the list for most Test wickets. Besides Muralitharan, several other bowlers have consistently excelled with multiple five-wicket hauls.
Let’s explore the top five Best Bowlers with the highest number of five-wicket hauls in Test cricket.
5. Anil Kumble – 35
Anil Kumble, a former Indian leg-spinner, holds the record as India’s top wicket-taker in Test cricket. He is the only Indian bowler to have taken over 600 Test wickets. Kumble was a major match-winner for India in Test matches, claiming 35 five-wicket hauls in 132 games. He also achieved a remarkable feat by being the only Indian to take 10 wickets in a single innings, a milestone he reached against Pakistan at Feroz Shah Kotla in Delhi in 1999.
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4. Ravi Ashwin – 36
Ravichandran Ashwin, an off-spinner, is the second Indian bowler to achieve 500 or more Test wickets. Since debuting in 2011, Ashwin has been a key player in India’s spin bowling and a major factor in making India a dominant Test team at home. To date, Ashwin has taken 36 five-wicket hauls in 100 Test matches throughout his career.
3. Sir Richard Hadlee – 36
Legendary New Zealand all-rounder Sir Richard Hadlee is remembered as one of the greatest players in Test cricket history. Over his career, Hadlee played 86 Test matches and took 431 wickets. He held the record for the most Test wickets until 1994 when Kapil Dev surpassed him. During his career, Hadlee achieved 36 five-wicket hauls in Test matches.
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2. Shane Warne – 37
Shane Warne, a late Australian cricketer, was the first bowler to take 700 wickets in Test cricket. Over his career, Warne played 145 Test matches and claimed a total of 708 wickets. His achievement was remarkable, especially since he took 319 of those wickets in Australia, where fast bowlers typically ruled. Additionally, Warne secured 37 five-wicket hauls throughout his Test career.
1. Muttiah Muralitharan – 67
Muttiah Muralitharan, the former Sri Lankan off-spinner, holds the record for the most wickets in Test cricket. He is the only bowler to have achieved 800 Test wickets, a milestone that seems out of reach for future players. Over his 133 Test matches, Muralitharan took 800 wickets with an average of 22.73. Throughout his career, he also recorded 67 five-wicket hauls.
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