Muttiah Muralidaran from Sri Lanka holds the record for the most 10-wicket hauls in Test cricket. He achieved this rare feat 22 times in 133 matches. Taking 10 or more wickets in a Test match is one of the hardest things for any bowler. It shows their skill, stamina, and match-winning impact.
Over the years, only a few bowlers have consistently achieved this. The list below includes the top 10 bowlers who have taken the most 10-wicket hauls in Test history, along with their total wickets, averages, economy, and best bowling figures.
Top 10 Bowlers With Most 10-Wicket Hauls
India has the most bowlers on this list who have taken ten wickets in a Test match more than once. The table below lists the top bowlers from various countries who delivered match-winning performances.
| No. | Name (Country) | 10-Wkt Hauls | Matches (Innings) | Wickets | Best Figures | Economy | Average |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Muttiah Muralidaran (SL) | 22 | 133 (230) | 800 | 9/51 | 2.47 | 22.72 |
| 2 | Shane Warne (AUS) | 10 | 145 (273) | 708 | 8/71 | 2.65 | 25.41 |
| 3 | Sir RJ Hadlee (NZ) | 9 | 86 (150) | 431 | 9/52 | 2.63 | 22.29 |
| 4 | Rangana Herath (SL) | 9 | 93 (170) | 433 | 9/127 | 2.8 | 28.07 |
| 5 | Ravichandran Ashwin (IND) | 8 | 106 (200) | 537 | 7/59 | 2.83 | 24 |
| 6 | Anil Kumble (IND) | 8 | 132 (236) | 619 | 10/74 | 2.69 | 29.65 |
| 7 | SF Barnes (ENG) | 7 | 27 (50) | 189 | 9/103 | 2.36 | 16.43 |
| 8 | CV Grimmett (AUS) | 7 | 37 (67) | 216 | 7/40 | 2.16 | 24.21 |
| 9 | DK Lillee (AUS) | 7 | 70 (132) | 355 | 7/83 | 2.75 | 23.92 |
| 10 | Imran Khan (PAK) | 6 | 88 (142) | 362 | 8/58 | 2.54 | 22.81 |
1. Muttiah Muralidaran: 22 Ten-Wicket Hauls
Muttiah Muralidaran holds the record for the most ten-wicket hauls in Test cricket, with 22 in just 133 matches. He took a total of 800 wickets at an average of 22.72, with best bowling figures of 9/51 and an economy rate of 2.47.
He used to bother batsmen with his unique wrist action and variety. Murali dominated world cricket for nearly 20 years and is regarded as one of the greatest match-winners in the history of Test cricket.
2. Shane Warne: 10 Ten-Wicket Hauls
Shane Warne claimed ten wickets in a match 10 times in his 145 Test matches. He ended his career with 708 wickets at an average of 25.41, with best innings figures of 8/71 and an economy rate of 2.65.
Famous for his sharp turn and innovative tactics, Warne became a global cricket icon and is widely regarded as one of the greatest leg-spinners in history.
3. Sir Richard Hadlee: 9 Ten-Wicket Hauls
Sir Richard Hadlee took ten wickets in a match 9 times in just 86 Test matches. He picked up 431 wickets at an impressive average of 22.29, with best figures of 9/52 and an economy rate of 2.63.
Known for his pinpoint accuracy and skillful seam movement, Hadlee is regarded as New Zealand’s greatest fast bowler and a dependable match-winner.
4. Rangana Herath: 9 Ten-Wicket Hauls
Rangana Herath took ten wickets in a match 9 times in 93 Test matches. He ended his career with 433 wickets at an average of 28.07, with best figures of 9/127 and an economy rate of 2.80.
As Sri Lanka’s second-highest wicket-taker, his steady left-arm spin played a big role in many of their home wins.
5. Ravichandran Ashwin: 8 Ten-Wicket Hauls
Ravichandran Ashwin has taken ten wickets in a match 8 times in 106 Test matches.
He has picked up 537 wickets at an average of 24.00, with best figures of 7/59 and an economy rate of 2.83. Known for his clever variations and sharp, cricketing mind, Ashwin has been India’s top spinner in recent years.
6. Anil Kumble: 8 Ten-Wicket Hauls
Anil Kumble took 8 ten-wicket hauls in 132 Test matches and ended his career with 619 wickets at an average of 29.65.
His best innings performance was a historic 10/74. With an economy rate of 2.69, Kumble was known for his accuracy, bounce, and fighting spirit. He remains India’s most successful bowler in Test cricket.
7. SF Barnes: 7 Ten-Wicket Hauls
SF Barnes took 7 ten-wicket hauls in just 27 Test matches, claiming 189 wickets at an incredible average of 16.43. His best bowling figures were 9/103, with an economy rate of 2.36.
Despite a short career, Barnes made a considerable impact and was one of the most dominant bowlers in early 20th-century cricket.
8. CV Grimmett: 7 Ten-Wicket Hauls
CV Grimmett took 7 ten-wicket hauls in just 37 Test matches, picking up 216 wickets at an average of 24.21.
His best innings figures were 7/40, with an economy rate of 2.16. Known for his sharp leg-spin, Grimmett played a key role in Australia’s success during the 1920s and 1930s.
9. DK Lillee: 7 Ten-Wicket Hauls
DK Lillee took 7 ten-wicket hauls in 70 Test matches, finishing with 355 wickets at an average of 23.92.
His best bowling in an innings was 7/83, and he maintained an economy rate of 2.75. Known for his fiery pace and aggressive style, Lillee was one of the most feared fast bowlers of his time.
10. Imran Khan: 6 Ten-Wicket Hauls
Imran Khan took 6 ten-wicket hauls in 88 Test matches, finishing with 362 wickets at an impressive average of 22.81.
His best figures in an innings were 8/58, with an economy rate of 2.54. A legendary all-rounder and inspiring captain, Imran played a key role in winning Pakistan’s first World Cup.
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Conclusion: Murlidharan’s Record Of 22 Ten-wicket Hauls In Test Cricket Is Unbreakable
Muttiah Muralidaran is still at the top with 22 ten-wicket hauls in Test cricket. No other bowler has come close to this record. Some current bowlers are doing well, but they are still far behind. In today’s era, where conditions often favor batters and Test matches see fewer overs, such dominance is rare. In the coming years, we may see great performances, but Murali’s place at the top is likely to stay unchanged.
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