Test cricket is considered the ultimate challenge and scoring runs in this format can be a daunting task. The batters need to be pretty much focused on the game such that they can go about their business well. On the other hand, they are easily distracted by different release points leading to a dismissal.
Meanwhile, the left-arm pacers are pretty much efficient because of their release points. They can easily ruffle the batsmen’s feathers and take wickets when it mattered the most. Case in point, the left-arm pacers have well and truly stamped their authority in the game and yielded positive results.
In this listicle, let’s take a glimpse at the five left-arm pacers with the most five-wicket hauls in Test cricket.
1. Wasim Akram
Wasim Akram is widely acknowledged as the greatest left-arm pacer of all time. He was the finest exponent of reverse swing bowling and Pakistan largely benefitted from his services. Overall, he took a record 25 fifers, the most by any left-arm pacer in the history of Test cricket.
2. Mitchell Starc
Mitchell Starc has been the most effective and consistent paceman for the Australian cricket team. The left-arm pacer comes second on the list as he bagged 14 five-wicket hauls in the history of Test cricket.
Also Read:
- Highest Batting Average in ICC Knockout matches by Captain (Minimum 200 Runs)
- 2 South Africans who scored a fifty with a 200-plus strike rate in a Test match
3. Alan Davidson
Alan Keith Davidson operated as a bowling all-rounder where he showcased his mettle as a hard-hitting lower-order left-handed batter. Besides that, he was an exceptional left-arm fast-medium opening bowler. Overall, he has bagged 14 fifers.
4. Mitchell Johnson
Mitchell Johnson was one of the integral pacers in the history of Australian cricket. The former left-arm pacer comes fourth on the list as he bagged a total of 12 five-wicket hauls in the longest format of the game.
5. Chaminda Vaas
Chaminda Vaas is widely recognized as one of the greatest pacers of all time. The Sri Lankan bowling great is the leading wicket-taker as a pacer in Tests and ODIs. He accounted for 12 five-wicket hauls in Test cricket.
Most Test Fifers by Left arm Pacers
25 – Wasim Akram
14 – Mitchell Starc*
14 – Alan Davidson
12 – Mitchell Johnson
12 – Chaminda Vaas#TheAshes | #MitchellStarc— Cricbaba (@thecricbaba) July 10, 2023
Updated as of July 11, 2023*
