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Top 5 Bowlers To Record Fastest 500-Wicket Milestone In Test Cricket

image-lspp5ntaRavichandran Ashwin (X.COM)

Test matches epitomise the essence of cricket, demanding a unique blend of skills and temperament from players. The journey of bowlers in Test cricket, especially those who have reached the milestone of 500 wickets, showcases their exceptional talent and resilience over the years.

Muttiah Muralitharan, the veteran Sri Lankan bowler, currently holds the record for the most Test wickets with 500 dismissals in just 87 matches. The top five bowlers who achieved the milestone of 500 wickets in the fewest innings include Shane Warne, Glenn McGrath and Anil Kumble. 

Ravichandran Ashwin achieved the feat of becoming the second-fastest bowler to achieve 500 Test wickets in the ongoing Test between India and England in Rajkot. He has been absolutely brilliant in Test cricket, especially in India, and has been a match-winner for over a decade now.

At OneCricket, we take a look at the top 5 fastest bowlers to reach the 500-wicket milestone in Test Cricket. 


1.  Muttiah Muralitharan (87 matches)

The Sri Lankan legend Muttiah Muralitharan scalped 500 wickets in only 87 matches and sits at the top of the list. 

Muralitharan is leading the tally with an outstanding number of 1347 wickets. This record will be very difficult to beat for any bowler in the world. 

He played 495 international matches for Sri Lanka, including 133 tests, 350 ODIs, and 12 T20Is. He is considered to be the leading wicket-taker in both Tests and ODIs with 800 and 534 wickets, respectively. Additionally, he has picked up 13 wickets in T20I cricket.


2.  Ravichandran Ashwin (97 matches)

image-lspqcop0Ravichandran Ashwin in Test vs England (X.COM)

India's Ravichandran Ashwin is the second-fastest to 500 wickets in Test cricket. He has been absolutely brilliant in Test cricket, especially in India, and has been a match-winner for over a decade now.

 Ashwin bagged 500 Test wickets in his 97th Test during the third Test of England's tour of India 2024 at the Saurashtra Cricket Association Stadium in Rajkot. Having achieved the incredible feat, Ashwin became the fastest Indian bowler to reach 500 Test wickets, breaking the previous record held by Anil Kumble.


3. Anil Kumble (105 matches)

Anil Kumble, the Indian stalwart, is India’s leading wicket-taker in Tests and ODIs. He scalped his 500th wicket in the longest format against England at Mohali in his 105th match. His relentlessness and perseverance on the pitch helped him finish his Test career with 619 wickets in 132 Tests.

Meanwhile, Kumble is only the second bowler in Test history to scalp all ten wickets in an innings. The Karnataka-born spinner achieved this remarkable feat against Pakistan at the Arun Jaitley Stadium in February 1999.


4. Shane Warne (108 matches)

image-lspsa8jdShane Warne in test (X.COM)

Shane Warne is considered one of the greatest spin bowlers of all time. He picked up a total of 500 wickets in just 108 Test matches, which makes him the fastest Australian player to reach the milestone. 

Warne is one of only two bowlers to have taken more than 1000 international wickets. He is affectionately known as Warnie and finished his Test career with a total of 708 wickets. 

He is particularly known for his excellent record against England in the Ashes, having taken 195 wickets against them, which is the most by any bowler against a single opponent in Test matches.


5. Glenn McGrath (110 matches)

Glenn McGrath, one of cricket's legendary fast bowlers, indeed possessed remarkable precision and accuracy throughout his career. His achievement of reaching 500 Test wickets in 25,528 deliveries is a testament to his skill and consistency.

His achievement of reaching 500 Test wickets in 110 matches underscores his dominance and impact on the game.