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Bowling in Test cricket is an art that requires skill, patience, and endurance. Some bowlers have produced spellbinding performances that have etched their names in the history books. Here, we look at some of the best bowling figures in a Test match, showcasing the legends who have delivered extraordinary spells.
| Player | Team | Opponent | Year | Venue | Figures |
| Jim Laker | England | Australia | 1956 | Old Trafford | 19/90 |
| Anil Kumble | India | Pakistan | 1999 | Feroz Shah Kotla | 10/74 |
| Sydney Barnes | England | South Africa | 1913-14 | Johannesburg | 17/159 |
| George Lohmann | England | South Africa | 1896 | Johannesburg | 15/45 |
| Muttiah Muralitharan | Sri Lanka | England | 1998 | The Oval | 16/220 |
| Bob Massie | Australia | England | 1972 | Lord’s | 16/137 |
| Fred Trueman | England | West Indies | 1963 | Headingley | 12/119 |
| Ian Botham | England | India | 1980 | Mumbai | 13/106 |
| Richard Hadlee | New Zealand | Australia | 1985 | Brisbane | 15/123 |
| Allan Donald | South Africa | Zimbabwe | 1995 | Harare | 12/139 |
1. Jim Laker (England) – 19/90
Jim Laker’s performance against Australia in 1956 at Old Trafford remains unmatched. Laker took 19 wickets in the match, including all 10 wickets in the second innings, setting a record that still stands today. His magical spell was a testament to his mastery of off-spin bowling.
2. Anil Kumble (India) – 10/74
Anil Kumble’s 10-wicket haul against Pakistan in 1999 at the Feroz Shah Kotla ground in Delhi is etched in cricketing folklore. Kumble’s relentless accuracy and determination saw him become only the second bowler in history to take all 10 wickets in an innings.
3. Sydney Barnes (England) – 17/159
Sydney Barnes’ remarkable performance against South Africa in 1913-14 saw him take 17 wickets for 159 runs. Barnes was known for his ability to swing the ball both ways, and his figures from this match highlight his extraordinary talent and effectiveness.
4. George Lohmann (England) – 15/45
George Lohmann’s figures of 15/45 against South Africa in 1896 at Johannesburg are a testament to his skill and dominance. Lohmann was a master of seam and swing bowling, and his performance remains one of the finest in Test history.
5. Muttiah Muralitharan (Sri Lanka) – 16/220
Muttiah Muralitharan, the highest wicket-taker in Test history, delivered an outstanding performance against England in 1998 at The Oval. Murali’s figures of 16/220 showcased his mastery of spin bowling and his ability to outfox even the best batsmen.
6. Bob Massie (Australia) – 16/137
Bob Massie’s debut performance against England in 1972 at Lord’s saw him take 16 wickets for 137 runs. Massie’s ability to swing the ball both ways left the English batsmen clueless, marking one of the greatest debut performances in Test cricket.
7. Fred Trueman (England) – 12/119
Fred Trueman’s fiery spell against the West Indies in 1963 at the Headingley ground in Leeds saw him take 12 wickets for 119 runs. Trueman’s pace and aggression were too much for the West Indies batsmen, making this one of his most memorable performances.
8. Ian Botham (England) – 13/106
Ian Botham’s heroics against India in 1980 at Mumbai saw him take 13 wickets for 106 runs. Botham’s all-round performance, including a century with the bat, highlighted his immense contribution to England’s victory in that match.
9. Richard Hadlee (New Zealand) – 15/123
Richard Hadlee’s superb bowling against Australia in 1985 at Brisbane saw him take 15 wickets for 123 runs. Hadlee’s precision and ability to extract movement off the pitch made him one of the most feared bowlers of his era.
10. Allan Donald (South Africa) – 12/139
Allan Donald’s aggressive bowling against Zimbabwe in 1995 at Harare saw him take 12 wickets for 139 runs. Donald’s pace and hostility were on full display, making this one of his finest performances.
Understanding the impact of exceptional bowling performances can enhance your cricket betting strategies. Platforms like Lotus365 Sports Betting offer various options where you can bet on bowlers to take the most wickets or achieve the best figures in a match. Recognizing the potential for outstanding individual performances can give you an edge in making informed bets.
For example, betting on a player known for delivering match-winning spells, such as Anil Kumble or Muttiah Muralitharan, can be a strategic move. Knowing their track record and analyzing current form can guide you in placing more confident and potentially rewarding bets on Lotus365.
In conclusion, these legendary bowling performances have not only won matches but have also left an indelible mark on the history of Test cricket. Understanding these great feats can enhance your appreciation of the game and provide valuable insights for cricket betting enthusiasts.
