Top Bowlers with the Most Deliveries Bowled in Test Cricket
In Test cricket, bowlers are tested not only by how many wickets they take but by their endurance over long spells. Bowling thousands of deliveries requires both mental and physical resilience, and the bowlers who make it to the top have spent countless hours perfecting their craft. Here, we celebrate the bowlers who have bowled the most deliveries in Test cricket.
Top Bowlers with the Most Deliveries Bowled in Test Cricket
1. Muttiah Muralitharan – 44,039 Balls
- Career Span: 1992–2010
- Matches: 133
- Innings: 230
- Wickets: 800
- Best Bowling (Innings): 9/51
- Economy Rate: 2.47
Muttiah Muralitharan of Sri Lanka holds the record for the most balls bowled in Test cricket, delivering an astonishing 44,039 balls over his career. Known for his spin, Muralitharan’s unique bowling style and skill with the doosra helped him confuse the world’s best batsmen. His career was marked by consistent performance, and he claimed 800 wickets at an impressive average of 22.72.
2. Anil Kumble – 40,850 Balls
- Career Span: 1990–2008
- Matches: 132
- Innings: 236
- Wickets: 619
- Best Bowling (Innings): 10/74
- Economy Rate: 2.69
Anil Kumble, India’s legendary spinner, bowled 40,850 deliveries in his career, making him one of the most consistent bowlers in the game. Known for his accuracy and powerful leg-spin, Kumble’s 10-wicket haul in an innings is a historic achievement. With 619 wickets he is second bowler with highest number of balls bowled by a bowler in Tests.
3. Shane Warne – 40,705 Balls
- Career Span: 1992–2007
- Matches: 145
- Innings: 273
- Wickets: 708
- Best Bowling (Innings): 8/71
- Economy Rate: 2.65
Australia’s Shane Warne, one of the game’s most charismatic bowlers, bowled 40,705 balls across 145 matches. Known for his spinning deliveries, Warne’s leg-breaks, googlies, and sliders trapped many batsmen. He took 708 wickets, averaging 25.41, and remains a celebrated figure in Australian cricket history.
4. James Anderson – 40,037 Balls
- Career Span: 2003–2024
- Matches: 188
- Innings: 350
- Wickets: 704
- Best Bowling (Innings): 7/42
- Economy Rate: 2.79
England’s James Anderson is the only fast bowler in the top five for most balls bowled. Known for his exceptional swing bowling, Anderson delivered 40,037 balls, taking 704 wickets. His mastery in swinging the ball made him a central figure in England’s Test lineup for over two decades.
5. Stuart Broad – 33,698 Balls
- Career Span: 2007–2023
- Matches: 167
- Innings: 309
- Wickets: 604
- Best Bowling (Innings): 8/15
- Economy Rate: 2.97
Stuart Broad, another fast bowler from England, bowled 33,698 deliveries in his career. His height and ability to generate bounce made him a challenging bowler to face. Broad claimed 604 wickets, and his aggressive approach complemented Anderson’s style, making them one of cricket’s most successful bowling pairs.
What is the lowest total successfully defended by India in Tests?
Other Bowlers with Long Bowling Spells
Nathan Lyon (Australia) – 32,761 Balls
- Nathan Lyon, an Australian off-spinner, has delivered 32,761 balls, proving his importance in the Australian lineup. Known for his accurate spin bowling, Lyon has 530 wickets and continues to be an integral part of Australia’s Test team.
Courtney Walsh (West Indies) – 30,019 Balls
- West Indies’ Courtney Walsh bowled 30,019 balls in his career, taking 519 wickets. His consistency and pace made him one of the best fast bowlers of his era.
Glenn McGrath (Australia) – 29,248 Balls
- Australian fast bowler Glenn McGrath bowled 29,248 deliveries, relying on accuracy and bounce. With 563 wickets, McGrath’s control over line and length set him apart as one of the greatest fast bowlers.
Harbhajan Singh (India) – 28,580 Balls
- Indian off-spinner Harbhajan Singh delivered 28,580 balls, claiming 417 wickets in his test career. His spin added depth to India’s bowling attack, especially in home conditions.
Who bowled the most deliveries in Test cricket?
Sri Lankan spinner Muttiah Muralitharan holds the record for the most deliveries bowled in Test cricket, with 44,039 balls.
Who is the fast bowler with the most deliveries bowled in Test cricket?
James Anderson from England leads fast bowlers, delivering 40,037 balls across his Test career.
Which Indian bowler has bowled the most deliveries in Test cricket?
Anil Kumble has bowled the most deliveries among Indian bowlers, with a total of 40,850 balls in his Test career.
Is there a spinner who bowled as many deliveries as fast bowlers?
Yes, spinners like Muttiah Muralitharan and Anil Kumble lead the list, with Muralitharan having bowled the most deliveries in Test cricket history.
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