In the annals of cricket history, few feats are as revered as outstanding bowling performances that single-handedly turn the tide of a match. The bowlers who achieve extraordinary figures etch their names in the record books and the hearts of cricket fans worldwide. This article highlights the top 5 bowlers with the best bowling figures in Test cricket, celebrating their remarkable achievements and the unforgettable moments they created on the field.
1. Jim Laker (England)
Jim Laker achieved the incredible feat of taking all ten wickets in an innings during the 1956 Ashes series against Australia at Old Trafford, Manchester. His figures of 10 wickets for 53 runs remain a record in Test cricket. Laker’s precise off-spin bowling mesmerized the Australian batsmen, leading England to a famous victory.
2. Anil Kumble (India)
Anil Kumble’s 10 wickets for 74 runs against Pakistan in 1999 at Feroz Shah Kotla, Delhi, is one of the most celebrated achievements in cricket history. Kumble’s leg-spin was virtually unplayable that day, making him only the second bowler in Test history to claim all ten wickets in an innings, leading India to a memorable win.
3. Ajaz Patel (New Zealand)
Ajaz Patel joined the exclusive club of bowlers with 10 wickets in a single innings by taking 10 for 119 against India in 2021 at Wankhede Stadium, Mumbai. His left-arm spin was highly effective, making him the third cricketer in Test history to accomplish this rare feat, despite New Zealand losing the match.
4. George Lohmann (England)
George Lohmann’s remarkable bowling figures of 9 wickets for 28 runs against South Africa in 1896 in Johannesburg are a testament to his exceptional skill. Lohmann, known for his accurate and effective medium pace, dismantled the South African batting line-up, showcasing one of the best bowling performances in the early era of Test cricket.
5. Muttiah Muralitharan (Sri Lanka)
Muttiah Muralitharan’s spell of 9 wickets for 51 runs against Zimbabwe in 2002 at Kandy is one of his many legendary performances. The Sri Lankan off-spinner, renowned for his unique bowling action and prodigious turn, decimated the Zimbabwean batsmen, reinforcing his status as one of the greatest bowlers in the history of cricket.
