Top 5 New Zealand bowlers with most wickets in test cricket

Only one New Zealand bowler has taken over 400 wickets in test cricket.

Teams with the ability to pick 20 wickets regularly have dominated the longest format of the game. Test cricket places immense importance on skill, patience, and consistency, where taking 20 wickets is an integral part of securing victory. For New Zealand, where the pitches are favourable for fast bowlers, producing world-class bowlers has always been vital to their success.

The lush, green pitches of New Zealand, particularly venues like Wellington and Christchurch, offer generous assistance to seam and swing bowlers. This has made the country a breeding ground for fast-bowling talent. However, what’s remarkable is that despite such conditions, a spinner finds his place on the list of the most successful Kiwi test bowlers. In this article, we will dive into the list of the top five New Zealand bowlers who have taken most wickets in test cricket.

Here are New Zealand’s top five highest wicket-takers in test cricket

5. Neil Wagner – 260 wickets

Known for his relentless aggression, Neil Wagner picked up 260 wickets in just 64 matches at an impressive average of 27.57. Wagner’s unique bowling style, marked by sharp, accurate bouncers, made him a master of finding life on lifeless wickets.

Wagner made his test debut against the West Indies in 2012 at North Sound and played a vital role in New Zealand’s bowling attack till he retired in 2024. His ability to bowl long spells and break crucial partnerships made him indispensable, and his never-give-up attitude was vital for New Zealand cricket. His last test appearance came in 2024 against South Africa at Hamilton.

4. Trent Boult – 317 wickets

Trent Boult’s ability to swing the ball both ways made him one of the most dangerous new-ball bowlers in the world. Boult took 317 wickets in 78 matches at an average of 27.49. He was particularly lethal with the new ball, using the seam and swing-friendly conditions of New Zealand to full effect. Boult’s natural ability to swing the ball into the right-handers while also getting it to remain straight made him challenge both the edges of the bat.

Boult made his test debut in 2011 against Australia in Hobart and quickly rose to the ranks with his pinpoint accuracy. His partnership with Tim Southee finds its place among one of the most formidable opening bowling pairs in modern test cricket.

3. Daniel Vettori – 361 wickets

Daniel Vettori stands out on this list as the only spinner. Despite New Zealand’s pace-friendly pitches, Vettori’s slow left-arm orthodox spin brought him immense success, accounting for 361 wickets in 112 matches. Known for his accuracy, and ability to deceive batsmen with flight, the former New Zealand captain relied on subtle variations to outfox the opposition.

Vettori made his test debut as a teenager in 1997 against England at Wellington, and by the time he retired in 2014, he had established himself as one of the best all-rounders in world cricket.

2. Tim Southee – 382 wickets

Tim Southee is New Zealand’s second-highest wicket-taker in test cricket with 382 wickets in 102 matches, averaging 29.87. As a right-arm fast bowler, Southee has an exceptional ability to swing the ball both ways, with his outswinger to right-handers, being his stock ball. His ability to reverse swing the old ball has made him effective even in conditions that aren’t traditionally bowler-friendly.

Southee made his debut in 2008 against England at Napier, where he impressed immediately with a five-wicket haul. Over the years, he has led New Zealand’s bowling attack and has been a key part of their success.

1. Sir Richard Hadlee – 431 wickets

Regarded as one of the greatest all-rounders and arguably New Zealand’s best cricketer ever, Sir Richard Hadlee holds the record for most test wickets for the Kiwis. Hadlee took 431 wickets in just 66 matches at an astonishing average of 22.29. He was a master of seam and swing, capable of bowling at an incredible pace while maintaining accuracy.

Hadlee made his debut in 1973 against Pakistan and dominated throughout the 70s and 80s. His ability to single-handedly win matches for New Zealand with both ball and bat earned him legendary status. His last test came in 1990 against England. At once, Hadlee was the highest wicket-taker in test cricket until Kapil Dev overtook him in 1994.

(All stats updated till 13th October, 2024)

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