The top five wicket-takers in Test cricket history include legendary bowlers known for their skill and longevity. Muttiah Muralitharan leads with 800 wickets, followed by Shane Warne (708), James Anderson (701), Anil Kumble (619), and Stuart Broad (604), each leaving an indelible mark on the longest format.
5. Stuart Broad (England) – 604 wickets
Stuart Broad became the second fast bowler after James Anderson to cross 600 Test wickets during the 2023 Ashes. Since his debut in 2007, Broad has taken 604 wickets in 166 Tests, including 20 five-wicket hauls. His best bowling figures are 8 for 15 in the 2015 Ashes, and he also has a Test century (169 vs Pakistan). Broad is one of the few bowlers with multiple Test hat-tricks.
4. Anil Kumble (India) – 619 wickets
Anil Kumble took 619 wickets in 132 Tests from 1990 to 2008. Known for his 35 five-wicket hauls, he famously took all 10 wickets in a single innings (10/74) against Pakistan in 1999, becoming the second bowler in history to achieve this feat.
3. James Anderson (England) – 701 wickets
James Anderson, England’s greatest pace bowler, retired in 2024 with 701 wickets in 188 Tests, second only to Sachin Tendulkar in appearances. He holds the record for most wickets by a fast bowler and claimed 32 five-wicket hauls in his 21-year career.
2. Shane Warne (Australia) – 708 wickets
The legendary Shane Warne, the first bowler to reach 700 Test wickets, ended his career with 708 scalps in 145 Tests. Known as the greatest leg-spinner, he achieved 37 five-wicket hauls and a hat-trick against England in 1994. Warne passed away in 2022 at age 52.
1. Muttiah Muralitharan (Sri Lanka) – 800 wickets
