Top 5 Bowlers with Most 5-Wicket Hauls in Tests, Test cricket—the oldest and most demanding format—originated in the 19th century, when bowlers often dominated on lively, bowler-friendly pitches. As the game evolved over 146 years, so did the conditions and rules, but the art of bowling remained a central spectacle. The 1990s and 2000s saw epic battles between great batters and legendary bowlers. Muttiah Muralitharan leads the pack for most Test wickets and five-wicket hauls.
Let`s take a look at the Top 5 Bowlers with Most 5-Wicket Hauls in Tests:
5. Anil Kumble – 35
Anil Kumble, India’s legendary leg-spinner, ranks among the Top 5 Bowlers with Most 5-Wicket Hauls in Tests. He remains India’s highest wicket-taker in Test cricket, with over 600 wickets to his name. A consistent match-winner, Kumble picked up 35 five-wicket hauls in 132 Tests. His most iconic achievement came in 1999, when he became the only Indian to take all 10 wickets in an innings—against Pakistan at Delhi’s Feroz Shah Kotla.
4. Ravichandran Ashwin – 36
Ravichandran Ashwin, India’s premier off-spinner, features among the Top 5 Bowlers with Most 5-Wicket Hauls in Tests. Since his debut in 2011, Ashwin has been a cornerstone of India’s spin attack, playing a crucial role in their dominance at home. He is the second Indian to cross 500 Test wickets and has claimed 36 five-wicket hauls in just 100 matches—a remarkable achievement in modern cricket.
3. Sir Richard Hadlee – 36
Legendary New Zealand all-rounder Sir Richard Hadlee is regarded as one of the finest cricketers in Test history. A key figure in New Zealand’s rise, Hadlee took 431 wickets in just 86 Tests and held the world record for most Test wickets until 1994, when Kapil Dev surpassed him. With 36 five-wicket hauls to his name, Hadlee proudly features among the Top 5 Bowlers with Most 5-Wicket Hauls in Tests.
2. Shane Warne – 37
The late Shane Warne, Australia’s legendary leg-spinner, was the first bowler to reach the 700-wicket milestone in Test cricket. Across 145 Tests, he claimed 708 wickets—an extraordinary feat, especially with 319 of them coming in pace-friendly Australian conditions. Known for redefining spin bowling, Warne also recorded 37 five-wicket hauls, securing his place among the Top 5 Bowlers with Most 5-Wicket Hauls in Tests.
1. Muttiah Muralitharan – 67
Muttiah Muralitharan, the legendary Sri Lankan off-spinner, tops the list of the Top 5 Bowlers with Most 5-Wicket Hauls in Tests. He holds the all-time record for the most Test wickets, becoming the only bowler to reach the 800-wicket mark—a milestone that remains unmatched. In 133 Tests, Muralitharan took 800 wickets at an impressive average of 22.73 and registered a staggering 67 five-wicket hauls, the highest in Test history.
Conclusion
The art of taking five-wicket hauls in Test cricket is a true measure of a bowler’s skill, endurance, and impact on the game. The legends featured in the Top 5 Bowlers with Most 5-Wicket Hauls in Tests—Muttiah Muralitharan, Shane Warne, Richard Hadlee, Ravichandran Ashwin, and Anil Kumble—have not only dominated batting line-ups but also shaped the history of Test cricket. Their consistency, match-winning performances, and ability to thrive in varying conditions set them apart as some of the greatest bowlers the game has ever seen.
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FAQ`s
Q1: Who holds the record for the most five-wicket hauls in Test cricket?
A: Muttiah Muralitharan of Sri Lanka holds the record with 67 five-wicket hauls in Test matches.
Q2: Which Indian bowler has the most five-wicket hauls in Tests?
A: Ravichandran Ashwin leads among Indian bowlers with 36 five-wicket hauls, followed closely by Anil Kumble with 35.
Q3: Is Shane Warne among the top 5 for five-wicket hauls in Tests?
A: Yes, Shane Warne is ranked in the top 5 with 37 five-wicket hauls in his Test career.