Top five bowlers who have taken more wickets than runs scored in test cricket

Two Indians bowlers are part of this unique list.

In the world of test cricket, where both batting and bowling play equally crucial roles, certain bowlers have etched their names in history through their relentless pursuit of wickets. While batters strive for monumental scores, these exceptional bowlers have prioritized the art of dismantling batting lineups, achieving a remarkable feat.

These exceptional bowlers come from various cricketing backgrounds and possess diverse bowling styles. From great control over line and length to stepping up when the team needs them the most, they showcase the different paths to success in the demanding format of test cricket. Their relentless pursuit of wickets highlights the crucial role bowlers play in restricting runs, building pressure and ultimately securing victories for their teams.

This dedication to the art of wicket-taking serves as an inspiration for aspiring bowlers, demonstrating that sometimes, the true mark of a successful bowler lies not in scoring runs, but in taking them away from the opposition and creating opportunities for triumph.

Here are the top five bowlers in test cricket history who have achieved the remarkable feat of taking more wickets than runs scored throughout their careers:

5. Jack Saunders (Australia) – 79 wickets | 39 runs

Former Australian left-arm spinner Jack Saunders also known as John Victor Saunders made his test debut against England in 1902. The left-arm spinner was the toughest bowler to deal with in conditions that suited his bowling. During his six-year career for Australia, Saunders played only 14 test matches, where he took 79 wickets and scored 39 runs. 

Saunders had a great average of 22.73 with the ball and picked up four or more wickets in an innings on 12 occasions. While his run tally stands at 39, the 40-wicket difference emphasizes his primary contribution to the game and Australian test cricket, as he broke crucial partnerships and restricted opposition runs.

4. Pragyan Ojha (India) – 113 wickets | 89 runs

Former Indian left-arm spinner Pragyan Ojha made his test debut against Sri Lanka in November 2009. The left-arm spinner was regarded as one of the best spinners in India, but he remained in the shadow of legendary off-spinner Harbhajan Singh during his cricket career.

Pragyan Ojha was a consistent performer for India in test cricket, especially in home games. In 24 test matches, Ojha took 113 wickets and scored 89 runs. Although his runs tally stands at 89, the 24-wicket difference showcases his effectiveness in bamboozling batters.

3. Bruce Reid (Australia) – 113 wickets | 93 runs

A tall left-arm fast bowler from Australia, Bruce Anthony Reid also known as Bruce Reid made his test debut against India at Adelaide in December 1985. His peak moment in test cricket came when he took 13 wickets against England at Melbourne in 1990 and picked up 12 wickets against India a year later at the same venue.

In 27 test matches, former Australian cricketer Bruce Reid scalped 113 wickets with an average of 24.63. He also amassed 93 runs in his test career. His influence with the ball remains undeniable, evident from the 20-wicket difference between his bowling and batting contributions.

2. Chris Martin (New Zealand) – 233 wickets | 123 runs

Earning the second spot with 233 wickets in 71 test matches is New Zealand’s pace bowler Chris Martin. During the 2000s, Chris Martin was one of the lead bowlers for New Zealand. The right-arm fast bowler showcased the effectiveness of precision during his test career.

Chris Martin’s career saw him score only 123 runs in 104 innings, resulting in a gap of 110 between his wickets and runs, highlighting his dedication to the art of wicket-taking.

1. Bhagwath Chandrasekhar (India) – 242 wickets | 167 runs

The list wouldn’t be complete without recognizing the artistry of spin bowling in Indian test history. The great Indian cricketer was a member of India’s spin quartet which included himself, Erapalli Prasanna, S. Venkatraghavan and Bishen Singh Bedi during the 1960s and 1970s. The Indian spin quartet also produced some historic test wins during that time.

The legendary Indian spinner, Bhagwath Chandrasekhar, stands out for his incredible contribution with the ball. However, he wasn’t too good with the ball as he amassed 167 runs in 80 innings. While with the ball, the legendary Indian spinner weaved his magic on the pitch by taking 242 wickets at an average of 29.74 in 58 matches during his glorious test career.

Despite scoring 167 runs in his career, Bhagwath Chandrasekhar’s primary focus and strength lay in dismantling batting lineups, as evidenced by the significant difference of 75 between his wickets and runs.

(All stats updated till 2nd March, 2024)

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