Top 10 Most Wickets In International Cricket: Throughout the rich history of international cricket, bowlers have showcased their extraordinary skills and ability to outfox the batsmen with their artistry. From spinning webs of deception to unleashing thunderbolts at intimidating speeds, these bowlers have left an indelible mark on the game.
Muttiah Muralidaran, hailed as one of the greatest bowlers in cricket history, had an illustrious international career. Debuting against Australia in a Test match in 1992, he retired as the all-time highest wicket-taker in international cricket, claiming a remarkable 1347 wickets in 495 matches at an impressive average of 22.86. Throughout his career, he recorded 77 five-wicket hauls and 22 10-wicket hauls.
In the Test format, Muralidaran’s prowess was unmatched, as he secured a phenomenal 800 wickets in 133 matches at an average of 22.72, making him the leading wicket-taker in the longest format of the game.
In One Day Internationals (ODIs), he held the record for the most wickets, picking up 534 wickets in 350 matches at a commendable average of 23.08 and an economy rate of 3.93. Additionally, he played 12 T20Is, claiming 13 wickets.
Muralitharan made his final international appearance in the 2011 World Cup final against India, which Sri Lanka unfortunately lost by six wickets.
Shane Warne, the Australian legend, stands second on the list for most wickets in international cricket. Throughout his international career, the leg-spinner amassed 1001 wickets in 339 matches at an average of 25.51, including 38 five-wicket hauls and 10 10-wicket hauls.
James Anderson, the England pacer, ranks third on the list with 975 wickets in 394 matches at an average of 27.12, featuring 34 five-wicket hauls and three 10-wicket hauls.
Anil Kumble, the former India spinner, and Glenn McGrath, the ex-Australia fast bowler, complete the top five list for most wickets in international cricket.
Kumble picked 956 wickets in 403 matches, while McGrath claimed 949 wickets in 376 matches. As of now, Anderson leads the list among active players with the most wickets in international cricket.
Top 10 Players with Highest Wicket In International Cricket
| Player | Span | Matches | Wickets | 5w | 10w |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Muthiah Muralidaran | 1992-2011 | 495 | 1347 | 77 | 22 |
| Shane Warne | 1992-2007 | 339 | 1001 | 38 | 10 |
| James Anderson | 2002-2023 | 394 | 975 | 34 | 3 |
| Anil Kumble | 1990-2008 | 403 | 956 | 37 | 8 |
| Glenn McGrath | 1993-2007 | 376 | 949 | 36 | 3 |
| Wasim Akram | 1984-2003 | 460 | 916 | 31 | 5 |
| Stuart Broad | 2006-2022 | 342 | 841 | 21 | 3 |
| Shaun Pollock | 1995-2008 | 423 | 829 | 21 | 1 |
| Waqar Younis | 1989-2003 | 349 | 789 | 35 | 5 |
| Chaminda Vaas | 1994-2009 | 439 | 761 | 16 | 2 |
