From a batsman’s point of view, scoring a century or double century is seen as a spectacular achievement. On the other side of the coin, when a bowler bags a five-wicket haul or a ten-wicket haul in a Test match, it is also seen as a significant achievement.
The cricket fraternity has witnessed several bowlers making a real case for themselves in the longest format of the game. From a bowler’s perspective, there is no better feeling than bagging a fifer in Test cricket. Case in point, let us now learn about the six bowlers who took the least innings to bag 33 fifers in Tests.
1. Muttiah Muralitharan
Muttliah Muralitharan is widely acknowledged as the greatest bowler of all time. Sri Lanka’s bowling great is the leading wicket-taker both in Tests and ODIs with a record 1347 wickets in international cricket. Notably, he comes first on the list as he took the least innings to register 33 five-wicket hauls in Test cricket. Muralitharan achieved the feat in just 117 innings.
2. Richard Hadlee
Richard Hadlee is regarded as one of the greatest all-rounders in the history of the sport and amongst the very finest pacers as well. The former New Zealand paceman comes second on the list as he took 133 innings to take 33 fifers in the longest format of the game. Hadlee took 431 wickets in Tests.
3. Rangana Herath
Rangana Herath has been one of the finest spinners in the history of Sri Lankan cricket. He comes third on the list as he took 153 innings to take 33 five-wicket hauls in Tests. Overall, he took 433 wickets in Test cricket.
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4. Ravichandran Ashwin
India’s premier off-spinner Ravichandran Ashwin registered his 33rd fifer during the first Test against West Indies in Dominica in 2023. The experienced campaigner took 175 innings to achieve the feat. Overall, he bagged 474 wickets in 92 Tests.
5. Anil Kumble
Anil Kumble has been the greatest bowler for India during the playing days of his career. India’s greatest-ever spinner comes next on the list as he took 197 innings to take 33 fifers in Tests. He finished his Test career with 619 wickets.
6. Shane Warne
Legendary Shane Warne comes next on the list as he took 242 innings to take 33 fifers in the longest format. Shane Warne finished his Test career with 708 wickets in Tests.
