Cricket is a game that requires not only skill and athleticism but also strategic thinking. Among the many facets of the game, bowling is one that can make a huge impact on the outcome of a match. A five-wicket haul, where a bowler takes five or more wickets in a single innings, is considered to be an impressive feat in Test cricket. Let’s take a look at the top three batters with the most five-wicket hauls in Test cricket.
67 five-wicket hauls in 133 matches Muttiah Muralitharan, also known as Murali, is widely considered to be one of the greatest spin bowlers of all time. He was a master of spin and deception, with an impressive array of variations in his bowling. Murali took 67 five-wicket hauls in his Test career, which is the most by any bowler in history. His ability to consistently take wickets and bowl long spells made him a feared opponent for batsmen around the world.
2. Shane Warne
37 five-wicket hauls in 145 matches Shane Warne is another legendary spinner who dominated Test cricket during his career. He was known for his ability to turn the ball sharply and deceive even the best of batsmen. Warne took 37 five-wicket hauls in his Test career, which is the second-most by any bowler. His memorable performances, including the famous ‘ball of the century’ that he bowled to Mike Gatting, made him a fan favorite around the world.
36 five-wicket hauls in 86 matches Richard Hadlee is widely regarded as one of the greatest fast bowlers of all time. He was a master of swing and seam bowling, and his consistent accuracy made him a nightmare for batsmen. Hadlee took 36 five-wicket hauls in his Test career, which is the third-most by any bowler. His best performance came in a match against Australia in 1985, where he took nine wickets in the first innings and 15 wickets in the match.