List of players with 500 wickets in Test Cricket: Nathan Lyon joins the elite club

Table of Contents

Players with 500 or more scalps in red-ball cricket

Test cricket, the game’s purest form, has witnessed some extraordinary talents who have left an indelible mark on the sport. One of the most coveted achievements for a bowler is joining the elite club of players with 500 or more wickets in the longest format of game. The illustrious list comprises legends who have showcased their skill, resilience, and consistency over the years.

Players with 500 or more scalps in red-ball cricket:

1. Muttiah Muralitharan (Sri Lanka): 800 Wickets

Muttiah Muralitharan, the Sri Lankan spin wizard, tops the list with 800 wickets in 133 Test matches. His unorthodox bowling action and ability to spin the ball both ways made him a nightmare for batters worldwide. Muralitharan’s record remains unbroken as the highest wicket-taker in Test cricket history.

2. Shane Warne (Australia): 708 Wickets

The Australian spin stalwart, Shane Warne, stands second, with 708 wickets in 145 Test matches. Renowned for his leg-spin variations, Warne mesmerized fans with his artistry on the cricket field. His ability to deliver on crucial occasions makes him one of the greatest bowlers in the history of the game.

3. James Anderson (England): 690 Wickets

James Anderson, the veteran English pacer, holds the third position with 690 wickets in 183 Test matches. Known for his exceptional swing and seam bowling, Anderson has been a linchpin of the English bowling attack in Test Cricket for more than a decade. His longevity and skill make him a modern-day great.

4. Anil Kumble (India): 619 Wickets

Anil Kumble, the legendary Indian leg-spinner, is the only representative from India in this elite list. With 619 wickets in 132 Test matches, Kumble’s ability to extract bounce and turn from any pitch made him a formidable force. His contributions to Indian cricket are celebrated and revered.

5. Stuart Broad (England): 604 Wickets

Stuart Broad, another English seamer, secures the fifth spot with 604 wickets in 167 Test matches. Broad’s ability to swing the ball both ways and deliver crucial breakthroughs has played a pivotal role in England’s success.

6. Glenn McGrath (Australia): 563 Wickets

Glenn McGrath, the Australian pace legend, claimed 563 wickets in 124 Test matches. Known for his accuracy and relentless line and length, McGrath was a constant threat to opposition batters. His remarkable career and contribution to the Aussie dominance in the early 2000s are etched in cricketing history.

7. Courtney Walsh (West Indies): 519 Wickets

The West Indies pace icon, Courtney Walsh, took 519 wickets in 132 Test matches. As the only Caribbean representative in this troupe, Walsh’s lethal pace and bounce made him a nightmare for batters around the globe.

Also READ: Ravichandran Ashwin reacts on Nathan Lyon’s 500 Test wickets milestone

8. Nathan Lyon (Australia): 500 Wickets

The latest entry into this exclusive club is off-spinner Nathan Lyon. Lyon achieved the monumental feat of 500 wickets in just 123 Test matches, becoming the third Australian bowler to achieve this milestone. His crafty spin and ability to take crucial wickets have solidified his place among the greats.