The best bowling figures in Tests 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.

Muttiah Muralitharan – 9/51

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 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.