Most Wickets in an Innings Records in Cricket Explained
The records for the most wickets taken by a single bowler in an innings in Test, ODI, and T20I cricket.
Best Bowling Figures in an Innings
| Format | Figures | Bowler | Opponent | Year |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Test cricket | 10-53 | Jim Laker | Australia | 1956 |
| ODI cricket | 8-19 | Chaminda Vaas | Zimbabwe | 2001 |
| T20I cricket | 6-8 | Ajantha Mendis | Zimbabwe | 2012 |
Jim Laker's 10-53 at Old Trafford
Jim Laker's 10 wickets for 53 runs in the fourth innings of the 1956 Ashes Test at Manchester is the greatest single-innings bowling performance in Test history. It is the only occasion a bowler has taken all 10 wickets in a Test innings. In the same match Laker also took 9 wickets in the first innings — a match haul of 19 wickets for 90 runs — another all-time record.
Notable Near-Records
Chaminda Vaas's 8-19 in a 2001 ODI against Zimbabwe remains the best bowling figures in One-Day International history. Vaas dismissed the first eight batters in the Zimbabwe lineup including taking a hat-trick off the first three balls of the match — the first ball of the match, the second, and the third all resulted in wickets. Sri Lanka bowled Zimbabwe out for 38.
Frequently asked questions
Who is the only bowler to take 10 wickets in a Test innings?
Jim Laker (10-53) and Anil Kumble (10-74) are the only two bowlers to have taken all 10 wickets in a Test innings. Laker's performance in 1956 came first; Kumble achieved the feat in 1999.
What is the best bowling analysis in T20I history?
Ajantha Mendis of Sri Lanka took 6 wickets for 8 runs against Zimbabwe in 2012 — the best T20I bowling figures. His combination of off-spin and mystery deliveries completely baffled the Zimbabwe batting lineup.