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Cricket Test Bowling Records — All-Time Lists & Milestones
Comprehensive guide to Test cricket bowling records: most wickets, best innings figures, best match figures, and leading wicket-takers across every era.
Written by GeoCric EditorialUpdated Jul 28, 2026
Frequently asked questions
Who has the most Test wickets of all time?
Muttiah Muralitharan of Sri Lanka holds the record with 800 Test wickets at an average of 22.72. Shane Warne (708) is second, and James Anderson (700+) is third.
What is the best bowling performance in a Test innings?
Jim Laker took 10/53 at Old Trafford in 1956 against Australia — the only instance of a bowler taking all 10 wickets in a Test innings. He also took 9/37 in the same match for a Test record of 19 wickets.
Has anyone ever taken all 10 wickets in a Test innings?
Yes — twice. Jim Laker (10/53) for England vs Australia in 1956 and Anil Kumble (10/74) for India vs Pakistan in 1999 at Feroz Shah Kotla, Delhi.