Top 5 Bowlers with Most Bowled Dismissals in Test Cricket

Irrespective of the format, bowlers rattling the stumps and batters hitting the ball over the ropes are the most beautiful sight in a cricket match. While the ball going maximum is not a regular sight in the Test format, it is not unusual for the stumps to scatter. However, it will not be easy for any bowlers as they will face a real challenge from someone with a 'sword' on the other side.

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Limited over cricket, especially T20, is known for assisting batters more. But when it comes to red-ball cricket, both are equally beneficial, making the traditional form of the game the most important. Patience is key in Tests, and one mistake by the batter may result in the beautiful sight of the stumps getting dispersed. 

On that note, let's take a look at the top 5 bowlers with the most bowled dismissals in Test cricket.

Also Read: Top 5 Players with Most Player of Match Awards in Test Cricket History

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#5. Dale Steyn (90 dismissals)

Dale Steyn - a name that has been a nightmare for the opposition batters in the 21st century. The 40-year-old was a master in wreaking havoc in 22 yards with his fiery fast bowling. Rush into the crease like a cheetah and deliver the ball without giving the batters enough time to process how to tackle it. Taking the stumps for a walk was a hobby of this Proteas pacer. Steyn has taken 439 wickets in his 93 Test matches, 90 of which were bowled out dismissals. 

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#4. Muttiah Muralitharan (96 dismissals)

Sri Lankan spin legend uttiah Muralitharan holds the record for most wickets in Test and International cricket. His off-spin wizardry was unplayable at times and his facial expressions intimidated the batters. Although he ran into controversies for his unique bowling action, that did not stop him from becoming one of the greatest spin bowlers in the history of the game. Out of his 800 Test wickets, 96 came in the form of bowled outs. 

#3. Ravichandran Ashwin (100 dismissals)

Ravichandran Ashwin made his Test debut in 2011 and has since made it a habit to pick up wickets. He is a great asset to the Indian team, especially in home conditions. Ashwin's smart thinking and variations make it difficult for the opposition batters. He is the second active player and the second spinner in this list. The right-arm off-spinner is just one wicket away from entering the 500 Test wicket club and who knows the milestone will be unlocked with his 101st bowled out. 

#2. Stuart Broad (101 dismissals)

Stuart Broad is one of the finest Test bowlers England has ever produced. Broad did not start his career in a great fashion but eventually turned out to be a match-winner in the longer format of the game. The 37-year-old accumulated 604 Test wickets before hanging up his boots in July 2023. Of those impressive numbers, 101 dismissals were in the form of bowlouts. 

#1. James Anderson (135 dismissals) 

Perhaps the best swing bowler in the world at present, James Anderson is another legendary English cricketer. At 41, he still manages to compete with youngsters while contributing immensely to his team. Anderson's splendid in-swinger has resulted in 135 dismissals in his 184 Test matches. The right-arm seamer is on the brink of a huge record - just five wickets away from entering the 700 Test wicket club.