Most Wickets in Test Cricket
The all-time leading wicket-takers in Test cricket history, featuring the greatest bowlers who dominated the longest format of the game.
Top 10 Wicket-Takers in Test Cricket
Career wicket tallies of the greatest Test bowlers in history
| Rank | Player | Country | Matches | Wickets | Average | 5WI | Best |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Muttiah Muralitharan | Sri Lanka | 133 | 800 | 22.72 | 67 | 9/51 |
| 2 | Shane Warne | Australia | 145 | 708 | 25.41 | 37 | 8/71 |
| 3 | James Anderson | England | 187+ | 700+ | 26.50+ | 32+ | 7/42 |
| 4 | Anil Kumble | India | 132 | 619 | 29.65 | 35 | 10/74 |
| 5 | Stuart Broad | England | 167 | 604 | 27.67 | 19 | 8/15 |
| 6 | Glenn McGrath | Australia | 124 | 563 | 21.64 | 29 | 8/24 |
| 7 | Courtney Walsh | West Indies | 132 | 519 | 24.44 | 22 | 7/37 |
| 8 | Dale Steyn | South Africa | 93 | 439 | 22.95 | 26 | 7/51 |
| 9 | Kapil Dev | India | 131 | 434 | 29.64 | 23 | 9/83 |
| 10 | Wasim Akram | Pakistan | 104 | 414 | 23.62 | 25 | 7/119 |
Muttiah Muralitharan's 800 Test wickets is one of cricket's most extraordinary records, achieved across 133 matches with his unique off-spin bowling action. The list features a blend of pace and spin legends from across eras, with Glenn McGrath boasting the best bowling average (21.64) among the top 10. Dale Steyn's 439 wickets in just 93 matches highlight his exceptional strike rate as the most impactful fast bowler of his generation.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who has the most wickets in Test cricket?+
Muttiah Muralitharan of Sri Lanka holds the record with 800 Test wickets in 133 matches. His final wicket came in his last Test match against India in 2010.
Who has the best bowling average among the top 10?+
Glenn McGrath has the best bowling average among the top 10 Test wicket-takers at 21.64. His relentless accuracy and ability to hit good length consistently made him one of the most economical fast bowlers in Test history.
Which fast bowler has the most Test wickets?+
James Anderson of England holds the record for most Test wickets by a fast bowler with 700+ wickets. He surpassed Glenn McGrath's tally of 563 and continued taking wickets well into his 40s, making him one of the most enduring fast bowlers in cricket history.