8 bowlers to take 500+ wickets in Test cricket

Taking 100 wickets in any format of the game is a special achievement in a bowler's international career. Given the number of overs, bowlers are more likely to achieve this feat in Test cricket, the oldest and most competitive format of the game. While 100 or 200 wickets may be unthinkable for many, some players have created history by taking more than 500 wickets in red-ball cricket. 

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To register this amount of wickets in the longer format of the game, a bowler needs immense skill, consistency, and incredible fitness. Such players have been the backbone of their respective teams for over a decade and a nightmare for the opposition team. Sri Lanka legend Muttiah Muralitharan holds the record for most Test wickets (800). 

Without further ado, let's check out the list of bowlers who have taken more than 500 wickets in Test cricket. 

8. Nathan Lyon (Australia) - 501 wickets

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Australia's Nathan Lyon is the latest addition to this elite list and the fourth spinner. A consistent performer in the red-ball format since his debut in 2011, Lyon achieved the milestone against Pakistan on 17 December 2023 in Perth. The 36-year-old completed 500 wickets in 123 Tests and 230 innings. He has 23 five-wicket and four 10-wicket hauls. 

7. Courtney Walsh (West Indies) - 519 wickets

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Legendary West Indies bowler Courtney Walsh is the first bowler to complete 500 wickets in the history of Test cricket. Walsh was considered one of the most feared bowlers of the 90s. From his 132 matches, the right-arm fast bowler has taken a total of 519 wickets, including 22 fifers and three 10-wicket hauls.

6. Glenn McGrath (Australia) - 563 wickets

Glenn McGrath is regarded as one of the most successful fast bowlers in Australian history. McGrath took his 500th Test wicket during the Ashes Test series, becoming the fourth fastest bowler (214 innings) to achieve the milestone. He finished his career with 563 Test wickets in 124 matches, with 29 five-wicket performances and three 10-wicket hauls. This included remarkable best figures of 8/24. 

5. Stuart Broad (England) - 604 wickets

England pacer Stuart Broad achieved the feat back in 2020 during a home series against West Indies. In the 2023 Ashes series, he became the second-fastest bowler to take 600 wickets and drew the curtain on his illustrious career. He finished with 604 wickets in 167 matches, including 20 fifers and three 10 wicket-hauls. 

4. Anil Kumble (India) - 619

Having achieved this remarkable feat in 189 innings, Anil Kumble is the second-fastest bowler to get into this elite list. Notably, he is the only Indian on this list, with R Ashwin just 11 wickets away from joining him. The leg-spinner finished his career with 619 scalps in 132 Tests. He has taken 35 five-wicket hauls in an innings and seven times ten wickets in a single match. Kumble also holds the record of being the second bowler to take 10 wickets in an innings. 

3. James Anderson (England) - 690 wickets

Ever since his Test debut in 2003, James Anderson has been a regular feature in England's red-ball set-up. With 690 wickets from 183 appearances, Anderson currently sits atop among the fast bowlers in the wicket-taking list. The veteran right-arm pacer has not given up on his playing career and may soon breach the 700-wicket mark. The 41-year-old has 32 five-wicket hauls and three 10-wicket hauls. 

2. Shane Warne (Australia) - 708 wickets 

One of the greatest spinners of all time, Shane Warne was a nightmare for the batters. The late legendary Australian cricketer achieved the milestone of 500 Test wickets in his 108th Test and 201 innings. He took a total of 708 wickets in 145 matches with 37 five-fors and 10 ten-wicket hauls. 

1. Muttiah Muralitharan (Sri Lanka) - 800

Muttiah Muralitharan, the leading wicket-taker in Test cricket and international cricket, is an absolute legend. The Sri Lankan spin wizard is one of the most deadliest spinners of all time. He is the fastest bowler to complete 500 wickets in Test cricket. The right-arm off-spinner has taken a total of 800 wickets, including an astonishing 67 fifers and 22 ten-wicket hauls.