Test Scalps: Muralidaran 800, Broad 602
London, July 30: Ever thought about the top wicket-takers in the history of cricket? NewsnViews looks at the world’s top five bowlers in the red-ball format who have made their mark. The top slot is occupied by the Sri Lankan off-spinner M Muralidaran while England’s premier pacer Stuart Broad is placed fifth in the coveted list.
The first two positions are dominated by two world-class spinners while there are two decent fast bowlers in the list. India’s leg-spinner also features there.
#1. M Muralidaran—Sri Lanka’s magician has featured in 133 Tests in which the off-spinner has claimed 800 scalps. It is a world record. The wily offie has 67 five-fers and 45 four-fers, again a world record. His economy rate is 2.47, yet another world record.
#2. Shane Warne— Australia’s legendary wrist spinner has taken 708 wickets in Test cricket in 145 matches. The late Aussie leg-spinner claimed 37 five-fers and 48 four-fers. The Aussie maintained a fantastic economy rate of 2.65 throughout his career despite being a leg-spinner.
#3. James Anderson—England’s iconic swing bowler James Anderson is currently playing his 183rd Test match in which he has claimed 690 wickets. In the longer version of the game, Anderson has 32 five-fers and 32 four-fers. He has often led England’s pace attack and still maintained a decent economy rate of 2.78 till now.
#4. Anil Kumble—The Indian leg-spinner played 132 Tests for his country in which he took 619 wickets. He also holds the record for taking all 10 wickets in a Test match. He has 35 five-fers and 31 four-fers with a career economy rate of 2.69.
#5. Stuart Broad—England’s premium pacer just announced his retirement from all formats of the game. Playing his 167th Test match in the ongoing Ashes 2023, Broad has claimed 602 wickets thus far. The fantastic all-rounder has also scored over 3500 runs in the red-ball format. With 20 five-fers and 28 four-fers, Broad has maintained an economy rate of 2.97 during his career
