Top 10 Highest Wicket Takers In A Test Match (2025 list)

In Test cricket, a bowler who takes many wickets in a single match is a master and has a lot of stamina. Let’s see six of the best bowling performances in Test match history with details of each match.

Highest Wicket Takers In A Test Match

Sno	Player	Country	Wkts	Versus	Ground
1	J C Laker	England	19	Australia	Old Trafford
2	S F Barnes	England	17	South Africa	Old Wanderers
3	N D Hirwani	India	16	West Indies	MA Chidambaram Stadium
4	R A L Massie	Australia	16	England	Lord’s
5	M Muralitharan	Sri Lanka	16	England	Kennington Oval
6	J Briggs	England	15	South Africa	Newlands
7	G A Lohmann	England	15	South Africa	St George’s Park
8	C Blythe	England	15	South Africa	Headingley
9	H Verity	England	15	Australia	Lord’s
10	R J Hadlee	New Zealand	15	Australia	Brisbane Cricket Ground
11	W Rhodes	England	15	Australia	Melbourne Cricket Ground
12	Harbhajan Singh	India	15	Australia	MA Chidambaram Stadium
13	F R Spofforth	Australia	14	England	Kennington Oval
14	A V Bedser	England	14	Australia	Trent Bridge
15	W Bates	England	14	Australia	Melbourne Cricket Ground

1. Jim Laker – 19 wickets against Australia

Jim Laker had a great game against Australia at Manchester on July 26, 1956, taking 19 wickets for 90 runs. He bowled 68 overs and his average was 1.32 runs per wicket. Still the record for most wickets in a Test match.

Jim Laker Test Career:

Format	Matches	Wickets	Average	Strike Rate	BBI	BBM	5w	10w
Test	46	193	21.25	59.5	10/53	19/90	9	3

2. Sydney Barnes: 17 Wickets Against South Africa

Sydney Barnes took 17 wickets for 159 runs against South Africa in Johannesburg on December 26, 1913. He bowled 65.3 overs and his average was 2.42 runs per wicket. Barnes’ performance is considered one of the best in early Test cricket.

Sydney Barnes Test Career:

Format	Matches	Wickets	Average	Strike Rate	BBI	BBM	5w	10w
Test	27	189	16.43	41.66	9/103	17/159	24	7

3. Muttiah Muralitharan: 16 Wickets against England (1998)**

Muttiah Muralitharan took 16 wickets for 220 runs against England at The Oval in London on August 27, 1998. He bowled 113.5 overs and his average was 1.93 runs per wicket. His bowling helped Sri Lanka to control the match.

4. Narendra Hirwani: 16 Wickets against West Indies

Narendra Hirwani got 16 wickets for 136 runs against West Indies in Chennai on January 11, 1988. He bowled 33.5 overs and his average was 4.01 runs per wicket. This was Hirwani’s first Test match and one of the best debuts by a bowler.

Narendra Hirwani Test Career:

Format	Matches	Wickets	Average	Strike Rate	BBI	BBM	5w	10w
Test	17	66	30.11	65.12	8/61	16/136	4	1

5. RAL Massie: 16 Wickets against England

RAL Massie claimed 16 wickets for 137 runs against England at Lord’s on June 22, 1972. He bowled 60.1 overs and his average was 2.27 runs per wicket. Massie’s bowling was key to Australia’s approach in this match.

RAL Massie Test Career:

Format	Matches	Wickets	Average	Strike Rate	BBI	BBM	5w	10w
Test	6	31	20.87	51.71	8/53	16/137	2	1

6. Sir Richard Hadlee – 15 wickets against Australia, Brisbane, 1985

Sir Richard Hadlee’s bowling in Brisbane on November 8, 1985 is the perfect example of fast bowling. He bowled 52.3 overs, 15 for 123 at 2.34. Not just the numbers, his endurance and planning helped New Zealand win a game that’s still remembered. Hadlee’s ability to keep the pressure on for long spells made him one of the best fast bowlers in cricket.

Sir Richard Hadlee Test Career:

Format	Matches	Wickets	Average	Strike Rate	BBI	BBM	5w	10w
Test	86	431	22.30	48.19	9/52	15/123	36	9

7. Wilfred Rhodes – 15 wickets against Australia, Melbourne, 1904

Wilfred Rhodes’ bowling in Melbourne in 1904 shows his endless patience and control. He bowled 30.2 overs, 15 for 124 at 4.08. Even if he hadn’t taken many wickets, Rhodes’ accuracy and ability to bowl for long without losing his rhythm mattered a lot. His bowling in the early 1900s showed how important it was to be consistent and smart even when it was tough and he was a key member of the England bowling team.

Wilfred Rhodes Test Career:

Format	Matches	Wickets	Average	Strike Rate	BBI	BBM	5w	10w
Test	58	127	26.97	65.91	8/68	15/124	6	1

8. Harbhajan Singh – 15 wickets against Australia, Chennai, 2001

Harbhajan Singh’s bowling in 2001 in Chennai is a lesson in how to bowl spin. He bowled 80.1 overs, 26 maiden for 217 at 2.70 picking up 15 wickets. His ability to turn the ball a lot and stay sharp throughout his long effort helped India win. Harbhajan’s amazing bowling not only took out the Australian batting but also inspired young Indian spinners to be brave and skillful.

9. Charles Blythe – 15 wickets against South Africa, Leeds, 1907

Charles Blythe’s bowling against South Africa in Leeds showed how precise and cautious he was. In 38.3 overs, Blythe took 15 for 99 at 2.57. By bowling in a straight line and length, he gave the batsmen a hard time, created pressure and opened up opportunities for key plays. Blythe’s bowling reminds us that being patient and steady matters just as much as speed or spin in Test cricket.

Charles Blythe Test Career:

Format	Matches	Wickets	Average	Strike Rate	BBI	BBM	5w	10w
Test	19	100	18.63	45.46	8/59	15/99	9	4

10. Hedley Verity – 15 wickets against Australia, Lord’s, 1934

Hedley Verity’s bowling at Lord’s in 1934 stands the test of time as one of the best spin bowling performances ever. He bowled 58.3 overs, 15 for 104 at 1.77. His accuracy mixed with his ability to bowl long, tricky spells shut down the Australian top order. Verity’s endurance and control helped him become one of England’s best left-arm spinners and his bowling at Lord’s is legendary.

Hedley Verity Test Career:

Format	Matches	Wickets	Average	Strike Rate	BBI	BBM	5w	10w
Test	40	144	24.38	70.56	8/43	15/104	5	2