Anil Kumble's 10 Wickets in an Innings: The Perfect Test Bowling
Anil Kumble took all 10 wickets in a Test innings against Pakistan at Delhi in 1999, bowling with a fractured jaw. Only the second time in Test history. Learn about this extraordinary cricket achievement.
On 7 February 1999, Anil Kumble became only the second bowler in Test cricket history to take all ten wickets in a single innings. His figures of 10 for 74 against Pakistan at Feroz Shah Kotla in Delhi remain one of the most celebrated achievements in Indian cricket.
The Match Context
India vs Pakistan Test cricket was rare in 1999 due to political tensions. In the second Test at Delhi, India had set Pakistan a large target. Kumble had already bowled Pakistan out in the first innings and entered the second innings determined to bowl his country to victory.
Bowling with a Fractured Jaw
What makes Kumble's feat even more remarkable is that he bowled through a fractured jaw, sustained after being hit by a delivery earlier in the match. With his jaw strapped, Kumble continued to bowl his leg-spin with full pace and aggression.
The 10 Wickets
Kumble dismissed all eleven Pakistan batters bar the wicketkeeper's contribution to one run out — but that was scored off his delivery. His victims included Saeed Anwar, Inzamam-ul-Haq, and Wasim Akram. The spell read 26.3-9-74-10.
Only the Second Time
Only Jim Laker had taken 10 wickets in a Test innings before — taking 10/53 for England against Australia at Old Trafford in 1956. No bowler has achieved the feat since Kumble's Delhi performance.
Frequently asked questions
What were Anil Kumble's bowling figures in his 10-wicket innings?
Anil Kumble took 10 for 74 (26.3-9-74-10) in Pakistan's second innings against India at Delhi on 7 February 1999.
Who else has taken 10 wickets in a Test innings?
Only Jim Laker (10/53 for England vs Australia at Old Trafford in 1956) had taken all 10 wickets in a Test innings before Kumble. No one has done so since.