In Test cricket, achieving a five-wicket haul—taking five or more wickets in a single innings—is a significant milestone that highlights a bowler’s skill and impact on the game. As of December 2024, the following bowlers have secured the most five-wicket hauls in Test history:
1. Muttiah Muralitharan(Sri Lanka)
Muralitharan leads with 67 five-wicket hauls in his Test career from 1992 to 2010. Renowned for his exceptional spin bowling, he is also the highest wicket-taker in Test cricket, amassing 800 wickets.Muttiah Muralitharan, the legendary Sri Lankan off-spinner, holds the record for the most five-wicket hauls in Test cricket. His unmatched skill and consistency made him one of the most dominant bowlers in the history of the sport.
- First Five-Wicket Haul:
- Date: August 1993
- Opponent: South Africa
- Venue: Moratuwa
- Figures: 5/104
- This was a glimpse of Muralitharan’s immense potential early in his career.
- Best Innings Figures:
- Date: December 2002
- Opponent: Zimbabwe
- Venue: Kandy
- Figures: 9/51
- This remains one of the best bowling performances in Test history.
2. Ravichandran Ashwin(India)
Ashwin has achieved 37 five-wicket hauls in Tests since his debut in 2011. A versatile off-spinner, he has been instrumental in India’s bowling lineup, particularly effective in subcontinental conditions. Ravichandran Ashwin, one of India’s premier off-spinners, is among the most successful bowlers in Test cricket. His ability to exploit spin-friendly conditions and innovate with variations has made him a consistent wicket-taker.
- First Five-Wicket Haul:
- Date: November 2011
- Opponent: West Indies
- Venue: Delhi
- Figures: 6/47
- Achieved during his debut Test match, showcasing his potential right from the start.
- Best Innings Figures:
- Date: February 2021
- Opponent: England
- Venue: Ahmedabad
- Figures: 7/59
- A stellar performance on a turning track during the 2020-21 England tour of India.
3. Shane Warne(Australia)
Warne, a legendary leg-spinner, secured 37 five-wicket hauls during his Test career from 1992 to 2007. He was pivotal in Australia’s dominance in world cricket during the 1990s and early 2000s, with a total of 708 Test wickets. Shane Warne, one of the greatest leg-spinners in cricket history, made an indelible mark on the sport with his remarkable skill and consistency. Known for his ability to spin the ball prodigiously and outwit batsmen with subtle variations, Warne achieved 37 five-wicket hauls in Test cricket, making him one of the most prolific wicket-takers in the format. Here is a detailed account of Warne’s five-wicket hauls in Test cricket.
- First Five-Wicket Haul:
- Date: December 1993
- Opponent: West Indies
- Venue: Melbourne
- Figures: 7/52
- A defining performance that showcased his potential as a world-class bowler.
- Best Innings Figures:
- Date: December 1994
- Opponent: England
- Venue: Brisbane
- Figures: 8/71
- A brilliant display of leg-spin bowling during the Ashes series.
4. Sir Richard Hadlee(New Zealand)
Hadlee recorded 36 five-wicket hauls between 1973 and 1990. As a premier fast bowler, he was the first to reach 400 Test wickets, ending his career with 431 wickets.Sir Richard Hadlee, one of the greatest fast bowlers in cricket history, was renowned for his ability to take wickets in all conditions. He represented New Zealand from 1973 to 1990, achieving numerous records. Among his many accolades, his proficiency for taking five-wicket hauls stands out.
- Debut Five-Wicket Haul:
- Against England, 1974 (6/68).
- Last Five-Wicket Haul:
- Against England, 1990 (5/53 in his farewell Test match at Edgbaston).
Achievements and Records
- Most Five-Wicket Hauls When Retired: At the time of his retirement in 1990, his 36 five-wicket hauls were a record, later surpassed by Muttiah Muralitharan.
- Consistency: He took five-wicket hauls in 17 different Test venues, showcasing his adaptability.
- Match-Winning Spells: His five-wicket hauls often led New Zealand to memorable victories, underlining his impact as a match-winner.
5. Anil Kumble(India)
Kumble took 35 five-wicket hauls in his Test career spanning from 1990 to 2008. A leg-spinner known for his consistency, he is one of only two bowlers to have taken all ten wickets in a single Test innings. Anil Kumble, India’s legendary leg-spinner, is regarded as one of the greatest bowlers in cricket history. Known for his unmatched consistency and ability to deliver in all conditions, Kumble represented India from 1990 to 2008. His knack for taking five-wicket hauls made him a cornerstone of India’s bowling attack.
- Debut Five-Wicket Haul:
- Against South Africa in Johannesburg, 1992 (6/53).
- Last Five-Wicket Haul:
- Against Australia in Perth, 2008 (5/82).
Achievements and Records
- Consistency: Kumble’s five-wicket hauls were spread across 19 different Test venues, emphasizing his adaptability to varying conditions.
- Key Series Performances:
- Against Pakistan (1999): His iconic 10/74 in Delhi remains one of the most celebrated bowling performances in cricket history.
- Against Australia (2004): Instrumental in India’s historic series win in Australia with crucial spells.