List of bowlers to take 700+ wickets in test cricket

Only three bowlers have taken 700 or more wickets in test cricket so far.

Test cricket is the most competitive format of the game because it gives both the batters and bowlers the chance to showcase their real skills. Unlike the white-ball formats, test cricket gives equal opportunities to the bowlers, which is why some of the best bowlers in this game have established themselves in the longest format of the game.

However, longevity is one thing that is pretty rare for a bowler. To continuously play cricket and perform are two different aspects, and if any bowler has it, it is pretty rare. That’s why, in the almost 150-year history of test cricket, there are only three players who have taken 700 or more wickets. Here we will discuss those two legends of the game.

Here are the bowlers to take 700+ wickets in test cricket:

1. Shane Warne – 708 wickets:

Former Australian legend Shane Warne was the first ever bowler to reach this magical mark of 700 test wickets. Despite being a spinner, he achieved immense success in SENA (South Africa, England, New Zealand and Australia) countries. However, Warne was a once-in-a-lifetime kind of talent. He even bowled the “Ball of the Century” when he dismissed Mike Gatting in 1993. Warne retired with 708 wickets in 145 matches. He also took 37 five-wicket hauls, including a best of 8/71. Sadly he passed away aged 52 on 4th March, 2022.

2. Muttiah Muralitharan – 800 wickets:

Muthiah Muralitharan has some incredible numbers that are impossible to break. He retired with the most international wickets across all formats and is the only one with over 1100+ wickets in international cricket. His numbers across formats are phenomenal, and in test cricket, there are no bowling records without his name in it.

He is the fastest to 700 wickets and the only one with 800 wickets in tests. During his career from 1992 to 2010, Murali played 133 matches and took 800 wickets, with best bowling figures of 9/51. He also took 67 five-wicket hauls and 22 ten-wicket hauls, which is the most by any test bowler.

3. James Anderson – 700 wickets:

On 9th March, 2024, England’s James Anderson became first ever fast bowler and overall third bowler to pick 700 or more wickets in test cricket. He completed 700 wickets in 187 matches, which is the slowest among the three who have achieved the landmark. Since making his debut in 2003, Anderson has so far played 187* tests and has taken 700* wickets including 32 five-wicket hauls at an outstanding average of 26.51.

(All stats updated till 9th March, 2024)

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