In this article, we will discuss the Top 3 fastest players to take 500 wickets in Test Cricket remarkable milestone of surpassing 500 wickets in their careers. It’s true that only a few bowlers have achieved the remarkable milestone of surpassing 500 wickets in their careers. However, across the rich history of this format, only nine bowlers have reached this feat—four fast bowlers and four spinners. Meanwhile, Australia boasts three players on this elite list, while England and India each contribute two, with one each from Sri Lanka and the West Indies.
Meanwhile, speaking about the same subject, check out the top three cricketers to collect 500 Test wickets.
Muttiah Muralitharan
Former Sri Lanka star cricketer Muttiah Muralitharan is one of the greatest spin bowlers of all time and the leading wicket-taker in Test cricket with 800 scalps. Notably, the 51-year-old cricketer achieved the milestone of 500 Test wickets in 2004, during the second Test against Australia at his home ground in Kandy which was his 87th Test match.
Moreover, the former great spinner retired from Test cricket in 2010 after taking his 800th wicket with the last ball of his final match against India at Galle. He is widely regarded as one of the nicest and most humble cricketers, despite facing controversies and accusations over his bowling action. Meanwhile, it’s true that he is a legend of the game and a true ambassador of Sri Lanka.
Ravichandran Ashwin
India’s star cricketer, Ravichandran Ashwin, is one of the greatest spin bowlers in India and the second-highest wicket-taker in Test cricket for his country, with 500 scalps. Notably, the 37-year-old cricketer achieved the milestone of 500 Test wickets in 2024 during the third Test against England at his home ground of Rajkot.
Meanwhile, Ashwin’s 500th Test wicket was widely praised by the cricket fraternity, as he displayed his class, temperament, and skill against a quality England attack. The great right-arm-off spinner was hailed as one of the best spinners of his generation and a true ambassador of the game.
Anil Kumble
Anil Kumble is one of the greatest spin bowlers in India and the leading wicket-taker in Test cricket for his country, with 619 scalps. Notably, he achieved the milestone of 500 Test wickets in 2006 during the third Test against England at Mohali. Meanwhile, the legendary cricketer also holds the record for the most wickets by an Indian captain in Tests (80) and the most wickets by an Indian in a Test series.