All-Time Wicket-Takers in Cricket: Records Across Formats
Who has taken the most wickets in Test, ODI, and T20I cricket? Discover the legendary bowlers who dominate cricket's wicket-taking records.
All-Time Test Wicket-Takers
| Rank | Bowler | Country | Test Wickets |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Muttiah Muralitharan | Sri Lanka | 800 |
| 2 | Shane Warne | Australia | 708 |
| 3 | James Anderson | England | 700+ |
| 4 | Anil Kumble | India | 619 |
| 5 | Glenn McGrath | Australia | 563 |
Muralitharan's 800 Test Wickets
Muttiah Muralitharan's 800 Test wickets is the highest wicket tally in cricket history. He reached the landmark with his final delivery in Test cricket — deliberately managing his over count on his final Test match day to ensure he could attempt the record-breaking wicket in front of a home crowd in Galle, Sri Lanka. He retired immediately after taking that 800th wicket.
ODI Wicket Records
| Rank | Bowler | Country | ODI Wickets |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Muttiah Muralitharan | Sri Lanka | 534 |
| 2 | Wasim Akram | Pakistan | 502 |
| 3 | Waqar Younis | Pakistan | 416 |
| 4 | Chaminda Vaas | Sri Lanka | 400 |
| 5 | Shahid Afridi | Pakistan | 395 |
T20I Wicket Leaders
Shakib Al Hasan of Bangladesh has been a leading T20I wicket-taker. Lasith Malinga (Sri Lanka) took his wickets at a remarkable pace before his retirement. Rashid Khan of Afghanistan has taken wickets at one of the best averages and economy rates of any T20I specialist.
Frequently asked questions
Has any fast bowler taken 700+ Test wickets?
Yes — James Anderson became the first pace bowler to reach 700 Test wickets. He passed the landmark in 2024, becoming the second-highest wicket-taker in Test cricket behind Muralitharan.
Who has the best bowling average among all-time wicket leaders?
Glenn McGrath's average of under 22 is exceptional among high-volume wicket-takers. He combined 563 wickets with an average that many bowlers with far fewer wickets would envy.
Can any active bowler challenge Muralitharan's 800?
No active bowler appears on course to reach 800 Test wickets. James Anderson retired after 700. The closest younger bowlers are well behind in career wickets and in formats where cricket calendar limits Tests per year.