In Test cricket, where matches stretch over five long days, a bowler’s strength is measured by more than just the wickets they take. Their ability to keep going, despite the demands of the game, is just as important.
Recently, at the famous Lord’s ground, England’s fast bowler James Anderson ended his remarkable career, making history in the process. In his final Test match against the West Indies, Anderson set a new record. He became the first fast bowler ever to bowl 40,000 deliveries in Test cricket.
As we honor this incredible milestone, let’s also look at the top five bowlers who have delivered the most balls in Test cricket—Anderson proudly among them.
List Of Top 5 Bowlers Who Have Bowled The Most Deliveries In Test Cricket History
| Player | Matches | Innings | Balls Bowled | Wickets | Average |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Muttiah Muralitaran | 133 | 230 | 44039 | 800 | 22.72 |
| Anil Kumble | 132 | 173 | 40850 | 619 | 29.65 |
| Shane Warne | 145 | 199 | 40705 | 708 | 25.41 |
| James Anderson | 188 | 350 | 40037 | 704 | 26.45 |
| Stuart Broad | 167 | 309 | 33698 | 604 | 27.68 |
Muttiah Muralitaran – 44,039 Deliveries Bowled
Muttiah Muralitharan, with a flexible wrist and a friendly smile, sits at the top of the list for most balls bowled in Test cricket. He bowled an incredible 44,039 deliveries during his career from 1992 to 2010.
Playing for Sri Lanka, Murali’s style of bowling mixed sharp spin with smart tactics. His famous “doosra,” a ball that turned away from right-handed batsmen, often left even the most experienced players confused.
His numbers are impressive: 800 wickets, an average of 22.72, and an economy rate of 2.47. He wasn’t just consistent—he was a master at taking wickets.
Murali’s best figures in a single innings were 9 wickets for 51 runs. He also took five wickets in an innings 67 times and ten wickets in a match 22 times, showing his true power in Test cricket.
Anil Kumble – 40,850 Deliveries Bowled
Next on the list is India’s Anil Kumble, fondly known as ‘Jumbo.’ From 1990 to 2008, Kumble bowled 40,850 deliveries, driven by determination and a strong competitive spirit.
Kumble was known for his unique style of fast leg spin, something rare among spinners. His main strength was his accuracy, and his famous “flipper,” a quicker ball that surprised batsmen by skidding through.
His impressive stats speak for themselves: 619 wickets at an average of 29.65 and an economy rate of 2.69 in 132 Test matches.
One of Kumble’s most memorable moments was when he took all 10 wickets in a single innings (10/74 against Pakistan), making him one of only three bowlers in history to achieve this incredible feat.
Also Check: Most Runs In Test Cricket In A Day
Shane Warne – 40,705 Deliveries Bowled
Australia’s Shane Warne, known for his magical spin and colorful personality, comes third on our list. During his 15-year international career, Warne bowled 40,705 deliveries in Test matches, using his brilliant leg spin to outsmart and confuse batsmen.
Warne’s bowling bag was full of tricks. He had a sharp leg-break that turned a lot, a tricky googly, and a slider that caught batsmen off guard. His numbers are remarkable: 708 wickets in 145 Tests, with an average of 25.41 and an economy rate of 2.65. His best bowling in an innings was 8 wickets for 71 runs.
More than just a bowler, Warne was a showman and a mastermind, playing a big part in Australia’s dominance during the late 90s and early 2000s.
James Anderson – 40,037 Deliveries Bowled
England’s swing expert, James Anderson, began his Test career in 2003 and recently brought it to a close, having bowled 40,037 deliveries. Anderson was a master of swing bowling, especially in cloudy conditions, where he could make the ball move sharply both ways, using both conventional and reverse swing.
James Anderson stats showcase his talent and consistency: 704 wickets with an average of 26.45 and an economy rate of 2.79. His best performance in an innings was 7 wickets for 42 runs. Anderson led England’s bowling attack for nearly 20 years, playing an incredible 188 Test matches—second only to Sachin Tendulkar, showing his remarkable endurance.
Stuart Broad – 33,698 Deliveries Bowled
Finishing off the list is Stuart Broad, another great of English cricket. Broad’s Test career, from 2007 to 2023, saw him deliver 33,698 balls. Broad, often considered the perfect partner to James Anderson, used his height to create extra bounce and tricky seam movement.
His impressive numbers include 604 wickets in 167 matches, with an average of 27.68 and an economy rate of 2.97. One of his standout performances was taking 8 wickets for just 15 runs against Australia in 2015. Broad’s aggressive approach and fierce competitive spirit made him a key part of England’s bowling attack alongside Anderson.
