The best bowling figures in Test cricket represent unparalleled excellence, featuring record-breaking spells that have redefined dominance in the sport. These performances highlight extraordinary precision, unmatched skill, and the ability to exploit conditions effectively. Such feats have secured historic victories and remain celebrated milestones in the rich legacy of Test cricket.
Here is the list of Best Bowling Figures In Test cricket:
Table of Contents
Muttiah Muralitharan – 9/51 (Best Bowling)
This legendary Sri Lankan spinner is celebrated as one of the greatest in cricket history. Renowned for his sharp turn and ability to bowl extended spells on any surface, he remains the all-time highest wicket-taker in Test cricket, with an unparalleled record of 800 wickets. A true icon of the game.
Player | Overs | Maidens | Runs | Wickets | Economy | Team | Opponent | Ground | Date |
Muttiah Muralitharan | 40.0 | 19 | 51 | 9 | 1.27 | Sri Lanka | Zimbabwe | Kandy | 2 Jan 2002 |
Jim Laker – 9/37
Jim features twice in the record books for best Test bowling figures, both from the same match. In the second innings, he claimed 9 wickets for just 37 runs in 16.4 overs, including 4 maidens. This remarkable performance came against Australia at Manchester, cementing his legendary status in cricket history.
Player | Overs | Maidens | Runs | Wickets | Economy | Team | Opponent | Ground | Date |
Jim Laker | 16.4 | 4 | 37 | 9 | 2.22 | England | Australia | Manchester | 26 Jul 19 |
George Lohmann – 9/28
George Lohmann, an English right-arm medium-fast bowler, is regarded as one of the finest Test bowlers in cricket history. Renowned for his ability to move the ball both ways, Lohmann’s skill in varying pace and angles made him a formidable opponent and a prolific wicket-taker during his era.
Player | Overs | Maidens | Runs | Wickets | Economy | Team | Opponent | Ground |
George Lohmann | 14.2 | 6 | 28 | 9 | 2.33 | England | South Africa | Johannesburg |
Anil Kumble – 10/74
This legendary Indian leg-spinner stands unmatched, his precision in exploiting even the tiniest pitch imperfections made life difficult for batsmen. Known for extracting bounce, Kumble remains unparalleled in winning Test matches for India. He is only the second bowler in history to claim all 10 wickets in a single innings.
Player | Overs | Maidens | Runs | Wickets | Economy | Team | Opponent | Ground | Date |
Anil Kumble | 26.3 | 9 | 74 | 10 | 2.79 | India | Pakistan | Delhi | 4 Feb 1999 |
Jim Laker – 10/53
Jim Laker, England’s iconic off-break bowler, etched his name in cricket history during the 1956 Old Trafford Test, claiming a staggering 19 Australian wickets for 90 runs—9/37 in the first innings and 10/53 in the second. Laker was the first cricketer ever to achieve all 10 wickets in a single innings.
Player | Overs | Maidens | Runs | Wickets | Economy | Team | Opponent | Ground |
Jim Laker | 51.2 | 23 | 53 | 10 | 1.03 | England | Australia | Manchester |