20 Best Bowling Figures In Test Cricket

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In the context of cricket, the term “bowling figures” refers to the statistical performance of a bowler in a particular innings or match. Bowling figures typically include the number of overs bowled, the number of runs conceded, and the number of wickets taken by the bowler. If you still do not know what is Aviator game is, you can visit the 4RaBet site and try to play in that app. 

The primary difference between bowling figures in Test cricket and other limited-overs formats (such as One Day Internationals – ODIs and Twenty20 Internationals – T20Is) lies in the number of overs bowled and the overall approach to the game. Here are the key distinctions:

Aspect	Test Cricket	Limited-overs cricket (ODIs and T20Is)
Number of Overs Allowed	Unlimited (no specific limit)	Limited (usually 10 overs per bowler in ODIs, 4 overs in T20Is)
Match Duration	Up to five days (two innings per team)	Completed in a single day
Bowling Figure Format	Overs – Maidens – Runs – Wickets	Overs – Maidens – Runs – Wickets
Overs in Bowling Figures Example	15-3-40-2 (Example)	8-0-45-1 (Example)

In summary, the key difference lies in the game’s duration, the number of overs a bowler can bowl, and the overall approach to bowling strategy in Test cricket compared to limited-overs formats.

Top 10 Best Bowling Figures In Test Cricket Innings

We’ve collected the most epic scores in Test cricket history. These athletes have achieved something that the best cricketers in the world have not been able to replicate for years.

Jim Laker (10/53) In 1956

James Laker’s historic performance with the ball occurred during the fourth Ashes Test match between England and Australia in 1956. Laker’s extraordinary bowling figures in that innings were 10 wickets for 53 runs. Here’s a breakdown of his remarkable achievement:

• Opponent: Australia
• Test Match: Fourth Ashes Test in 1956
• Bowling Figures: 10 wickets for 53 runs
• Total Wickets in the Match: Laker took a total of 19 Australian wickets in the match.
• Runs Conceded: He gave away only 90 runs in the entire Test match.

This outstanding performance by James Laker remains a record in Test cricket, and no other bowler has surpassed his feat of taking all ten wickets in a single innings. Additionally, his overall match figures of 19 wickets in the same Test match are also a record, as no other bowler has managed to claim more than 17 wickets in a Test match. Laker’s exceptional spin bowling played a crucial role in England reclaiming the Ashes in 1956.

Anil Kumble (10-74) In 1999

Anil Kumble’s remarkable achievement in Test cricket took place on February 4, 1999, during a Test match against Pakistan on home turf. Kumble, one of the greatest wrist-spin bowlers, became the second bowler in Test cricket history to claim all 10 wickets in a single innings. Here are the details of his historic bowling performance:

• Opponent: Pakistan
• Test Match: Test match in 1999
• Bowling Figures: Kumble took all 10 wickets in just 26.3 overs.
• Date of Achievement: February 4, 1999
• Location: Home turf (India)

In this incredible display of bowling prowess, Kumble’s figures of 10 wickets in an innings are considered one of the best in Test cricket. It’s worth noting that achieving all 10 wickets in an innings is a rare feat, and Kumble joined the elite company of Jim Laker in accomplishing this milestone.

Furthermore, the mention of Kumble becoming the first Indian spinner to take 300 Test wickets in December 2001 highlights his longevity and success in international cricket. Kumble’s contributions to Indian cricket, both as a wicket-taker and a trailblazer for spinners, solidify his place as one of the all-time greats in the history of the sport.

Ajaz Patel (10/119) In 2021

Ajaz Patel made history in Test cricket by becoming the third bowler to take all 10 wickets in an innings, joining the exclusive company of Jim Laker and Anil Kumble. The significant achievement took place in a Test match against India in 2021, and it marked a historic moment for New Zealand cricket. Here are the details of Ajaz Patel’s exceptional performance:

• Opponent: India
• Test Match: Test match in 2021
• Bowling Figures: Ajaz Patel took all 10 wickets, registering figures of 10/119.
• Date of Achievement: The specific date is not mentioned, but it occurred in 2021.
• Location: Wankhede Stadium, Mumbai, India (his place of birth)

Ajaz Patel’s extraordinary feat took place over two days, with the left-arm spinner picking up all 10 wickets in just 47.5 overs. This accomplishment added a layer of significance as he achieved this milestone in his birthplace, Wankhede Stadium in Mumbai. By accomplishing this rare feat, Patel became only the third bowler in the history of Test cricket to take all 10 wickets in an innings, making a lasting mark on the game and etching his name in the record books.

George Lohmann (9-28) In 1896

George Lohmann, a right-handed medium-pacer from England, earned his place in the history of Test cricket with an outstanding bowling performance, particularly during England’s tour to South Africa in 1896. Lohmann, known for his skillful swing bowling, recorded one of the best bowling figures in Test cricket during the second Test match of that series. Here are the details of his notable achievements:

• Opponent: South Africa
• Test Match: Second Test match in 1896
• Bowling Figures: Lohmann took 9 wickets for 28 runs.
• Overs Bowled: He bowled an impressive 14.2 overs in the innings.
• Lohmann’s ability to swing the ball both ways, combined with the favorable conditions in South Africa, played a crucial role in his remarkable bowling figures. Despite lacking extreme pace, he showcased his mastery in swing bowling, making life difficult for the South African batsmen.

The specific details, such as the date of the match, are not provided in the information, but the mention of Lohmann’s performance in South African conditions highlights his adaptability and effectiveness as a bowler. His figures of 9/28 in a Test innings underscore his status as one of the great red-ball bowlers of his era.

Jim Laker Again (9-37) In 1956

Jim Laker’s extraordinary presence on the list of best bowling figures in Test cricket history is indeed remarkable. During the same Test match in which he played a pivotal role in England claiming the Ashes against Australia, Laker achieved a rare feat by registering the best bowling figures in both innings of a Test match. Here are the details of his exceptional performance:

• Opponent: Australia
• Test Match: The specific details of the Test match (beyond it being part of the Ashes series) are not provided in the information.
• First Innings Bowling Figures: Laker took 9 wickets for 37 runs.
• Second Innings Bowling Figures: Laker took all 10 wickets for 53 runs.

These remarkable innings-wise bowling figures of 9 for 37 in the first innings and 10 for 53 in the second innings underscore Jim Laker’s dominance and skill as an off-spinner. His composure and class on the cricket field allowed him to achieve this historic double, making him one of the greatest bowlers in the history of Test cricket. The mention of helping England claim the Ashes adds further significance to this outstanding performance.

Muttiah Muralitharan (9-51) In 2002

Muttiah Muralitharan’s exceptional off-spin bowling prowess is widely acknowledged in the history of cricket. In 2002, during a Test match against Zimbabwe, Muralitharan showcased his mastery with a remarkable bowling performance. Here are the details of his outstanding achievement:

• Opponent: Zimbabwe
• Test Match: The specific details of the Test match (beyond it being in 2002) are not provided in the information.
• Bowling Figures: Muralitharan took 9 wickets for 51 runs in the first innings.
• Overs Bowled: He bowled 40 overs during this remarkable spell.

Muralitharan’s ability to deliver unplayable deliveries and consistently take wickets made him a formidable force for Sri Lanka. His figures of 9 for 51 in a Test innings highlight his skill in bamboozling batsmen and contributing significantly to his team’s success. As one of the greatest off-spinners of all time, Muralitharan’s impact on the game is evident in performances like this, where he turned matches in favor of Sri Lanka with his spin-bowling brilliance.

Sir Richard Hadlee (9-52) In 1985

Sir Richard Hadlee, widely regarded as one of the greatest fast bowlers in Test cricket, demonstrated his exceptional skill and accuracy during a Test match against Australia in 1985.

Here are the details of his outstanding bowling performance:

• Opponent: Australia
• Test Match: The specific details of the Test match (beyond it being in 1985) are not provided in the information.
• First Innings Bowling Figures: Hadlee took 9 wickets for 52 runs in 23.4 overs.
• Second Innings Bowling Figures: He took 6 wickets in the second innings.

Hadlee’s ability to swing the ball both ways and maintain accuracy troubled the Australian batsmen, resulting in a dominant performance. His figures of 9 for 52 in the first innings and additional wickets in the second innings played a crucial role in New Zealand’s victory, defeating Australia by an inning and 41 runs.

This Test match against Australia in 1985 showcased Hadlee’s prowess as a fast bowler and contributed to his legacy as one of the most influential figures in New Zealand cricket history. His performances often turned the Trans-Tasman rivalry in favor of New Zealand during his illustrious career.

Abdul Qadir (9-56) In 1987

Abdul Qadir, renowned as one of the best leg-spinners in the history of Test cricket, displayed his exceptional skills during a Test match against England in Lahore in 1987. Here are the details of his outstanding bowling performance:

• Opponent: England
• Test Match: The specific details of the Test match (beyond it being in 1987) are not provided in the information.
• Bowling Figures: Qadir took 9 wickets for 56 runs.
• Overs Bowled: He bowled 37 overs during this remarkable spell.

Qadir’s ability to quickly scalp wickets and his variations made him a formidable force against even the best batting line-ups. In this particular Test match, his leg spin proved too challenging for the English batsmen, and he picked up nine wickets while conceding only 56 runs. This stellar performance solidified Qadir’s reputation as one of the premier bowlers in Test cricket.

His achievement in Lahore in 1987 is a testament to his skill, control, and ability to outfox batsmen with his leg-spin variations. Abdul Qadir’s contributions have left an indelible mark on Pakistani cricket, and he remains celebrated as one of the greatest spinners in the history of the game.

Devon Malcolm (9-57) In 1994

Devon Malcolm, the tall and right-handed pace bowler from England, showcased his prowess in Test cricket with a remarkable performance against South Africa in 1994. Here are the details of his outstanding bowling figures:

• Opponent: South Africa
• Test Match: The specific details of the Test match (beyond it being in 1994) are not provided in the information.
• Second Innings Bowling Figures: Malcolm took 9 wickets for 57 runs in 16.3 overs.

Known for his high pace, brutal bouncers, and ability to move the ball both ways, Malcolm lived up to his reputation by dismantling the South African batting line-up in the second innings of the Test match. His skill and aggression made him a formidable force, capable of troubling even the best batting line-ups.

This performance against South Africa in 1994 earned Malcolm a place on the list of best bowling figures in Test cricket history. It’s a testament to his ability to deliver impactful spells and play a crucial role in England’s bowling attack during his career.

Muttiah Muralitharan Again (9-65) In 1998

Muttiah Muralitharan, the legendary Sri Lankan wrist-spinner, once again left an indelible mark on the history of Test cricket with a phenomenal performance against England in 1998. Here are the details of his exceptional bowling figures in that Test match:

• Opponent: England
• Test Match: The specific details of the Test match (beyond it being in 1998) are not provided in the information.
• First Innings Bowling Figures: Muralitharan took 7 wickets.
• Second Innings Bowling Figures: He took 9 wickets.

In this Test match, Muralitharan exploited the England batting line-up with his magical wrist-spin in both innings. The English batters struggled to read his deliveries, resulting in Muralitharan taking seven wickets in the first innings and an impressive nine wickets in the second innings. This outstanding performance secured his place on the list of best bowling figures in Test cricket history for both innings of a single match.

With this achievement, Muralitharan became the second bowler to pick up nine wickets in an innings for the second time, underscoring his consistency and dominance as one of the greatest spin bowlers in the history of the game.

Top 5 Best Bowling Figures In Test Cricket Matches

In the annals of cricketing history, a select few bowlers have etched their names with indelible ink by delivering match-defining performances that left spectators in awe and opponents in dismay. This article embarks on a journey through time to explore and celebrate those remarkable instances when a bowler, through sheer brilliance and mastery of their craft, dominated an entire Test match.

Name	Match	Year	Wkts	Overs	Mdns	Runs
Jim Laker	England vs Australia	1956	19	68	27	90
Sydney Francis Barnes	England vs South Africa	1913	17	65.3	16	159
Narendra Deepchand Hirwani	India vs West Indies	1988	16	33.5	6	136
Robert Arnold Lockyer Massie	Australia vs England	1972	16	60.1	16	137
Muttiah Muralitharan	Sri Lanka vs England	1998	16	113.5	41	220

Top 5 Best Bowlers In Test Cricket By Wickets

In the rich tapestry of Test cricket, few milestones resonate as profoundly as the achievement of claiming 300 or more wickets throughout a playing career. Since Fred Trueman first accomplished this feat in 1964, the exclusive club of bowlers with 300 Test wickets or more has seen its ranks swell, yet it remains a select fraternity of cricketing legends.

As of July 2023, only 37 cricketers have etched their names into this elite group, with each wicket symbolizing mastery, skill, and sustained excellence on the cricketing stage. This article delves into the historical significance of breaching the 300-wicket mark, exploring the cricketers from different nations who have left an indelible mark on the game.

Australia and India lead the pack with seven and six players, respectively, achieving this milestone. England and South Africa follow closely with five representatives each, while New Zealand and the West Indies boast four apiece. Pakistan and Sri Lanka contribute three each, with Afghanistan, Bangladesh, Ireland, and Zimbabwe yet to witness a player reach the 300-mark.

As of June 2022, the incomparable Muttiah Muralitharan stands atop the list with an astonishing 800 wickets to his name. His legacy extends beyond sheer numbers, holding records for the most five-wicket and ten-wicket hauls in a match. The Sri Lankan maestro’s 16-wicket haul against England in 1998 remains one of the most spectacular bowling performances in Test cricket history.

Ravichandran Ashwin’s meteoric rise sees him as the fastest to cross the 300-wicket mark in just 54 Tests. Meanwhile, the late West Indian great Malcolm Marshall boasts the best bowling average among the elite group. Lance Gibbs and Dale Steyn claim their distinctions, with Gibbs being the most economical and Steyn boasting the best strike rate.

Anil Kumble, with his historic 10-wicket haul for 74 runs against Pakistan in 1999, holds the second-best bowling figures in an innings, a testament to the diverse talents that populate the 300 Wickets Club. This achievement has its roots in decades of cricketing history, and each member adds a unique chapter to the narrative of Test cricket’s enduring excellence.

And here is the table of the best 5 figures from bowlers with 300+ wickets: 

Name	Country	Wkts	Matches	Economy
Muttiah Muralitharan	Sri Lanka	800	133	2.47
Shane Warne	Australia	708	145	2.65
James Anderson	England	690	183	2.78
Anil Kumble	India	619	132	2.69
Stuart Broad	England	604	167	2.97

Conclusion

In the grand theater of Test cricket, the quest for the best bowling figures has woven a tapestry of remarkable feats, each telling a unique story of skill, strategy, and unwavering determination. From the artistry of spin legends like Muttiah Muralitharan to the thunderous pace of speedsters like Malcolm Marshall, the cricketing world has been graced by bowlers whose performances have transcended mere statistics.

As we celebrate these bowling virtuosos and their extraordinary achievements, we acknowledge that the journey for the best bowling figures continues, with each new generation of bowlers aspiring to carve their names into the hallowed history of Test cricket. The pursuit of excellence, eternally intertwined with the red and white ball, ensures that the legacy of the best bowling figures will endure as an integral part of cricket’s timeless narrative.

Best Bowling Figures In Test Cricket History Video

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