Most Test Wickets | Most Wickets in Test Cricket
Muttiah Muralitharan, the famous off-spinner from Sri Lanka, has the record for the highest number of wickets in Test cricket. Making his Test debut at the age of 20, Murali was among the best cricketers in Sri Lanka throughout the 90s. He was often in the spotlight, whether it was because of his debated bowling style or his ability to dominate with the ball.

Image source: espncricinfo.com(Photo credit: AFP)
From Murali to Board: Most Wickets in Test
Player | Span | Mat | Wickets | BBI | 5w |
Muttiah Muralitharan (Sri Lanka) | 1992-2010 | 133 | 800 | 9/51 | 67 |
Shane Warne (Australia) | 1992-2007 | 145 | 708 | 8/71 | 37 |
James Anderson (England) | 2003-2024 | 188 | 704 | 7/42 | 32 |
Anil Kumble (India) | 1990-2008 | 132 | 619 | 10/74 | 35 |
Stuart Broad (England) | 2007-2023 | 167 | 604 | 8/15 | 20 |
Muralitharan wrapped up his Test career with an incredible total of 800 wickets. He took his final wicket on his last ball as a Test player, dismissing Pragyan Ojha at Galle. Murali’s impressive 67 five-wicket hauls in Test matches show just how dominant he was, placing him firmly among the greatest cricketers of his time.
In the ranking of the top wicket-takers in Test cricket, Shane Warne holds the second position with 708 wickets for Australia. Warne was the first player ever to reach 700 wickets in Test matches. On the other hand, James Anderson, among fast bowlers, has climbed the ranks. He has surpassed India’s Anil Kumble to become the third highest wicket-taker in history. Anderson has officially retired after an incredible career where the 41-year-old English veteran took 704 wickets, leaving the game as one of the best ever players of the red ball.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q: Who has taken the most Test wickets for India?
Anil Kumble has taken the most Test wickets for India. With 619 victims, Kumble is India’s highest wicket taker in Test match cricket.
Q: Who has registered the most 5 wicket hauls in Test cricket?
Muttiah Muralitharan has picked the most 5 wicket hauls in Test cricket. Muralithran ended with 67 five-fors in Tests.
Q: Who has taken the most wickets in Test cricket?
Muttiah Muralitharan holds the record for claiming the most Test wickets. The Sri Lankan legend owns the numero uno spot with 800 scalps.