Test Cricket is the examination of a bowler's skill!
The rise of limited-overs cricket has often tipped the scales in favor of batters, leaving little room for bowlers to shine. However, Test cricket remains a true equalizer, where the battle between bat and ball is fierce and relentless. In Test cricket, bowlers face the challenging task of taking 20 wickets across both innings while keeping batters in check.
Throughout the years, we've witnessed some exceptional bowlers who have single-handedly turned the tide of matches with their outstanding performances. Here, we’ll take a look at the top 5 bowling performances in an innings in Test cricket history.
In the fourth Ashes Test of 2015, Stuart Broad delivered one of the most remarkable new-ball spells against Australia. After England chose to bowl, Broad quickly justified the decision. On his third delivery, he removed Chris Rogers for his 300th Test wicket. He followed that by dismissing Steven Smith, Shaun Marsh, and Adam Voges, all within the first seven overs. By the 19th over, Broad had claimed 8 wickets for just 15 runs, including 5 maidens, as Australia was bowled out for a mere 60 runs before lunch on day 1. His spell remains one of the greatest in Ashes history.
In the second Test of 1999, spinners dominated as India sought to level the 2-match series. After setting a target of 420 runs, India faced some resistance as the openers comfortably reached 101 without loss. Anil Kumble, who had bowled only a few overs, then turned the game around. He took 6 wickets before tea and continued his rampage, eventually claiming all 10 wickets for just 74 runs. This remarkable feat made Kumble only the second bowler in history to take all 10 wickets in a single innings, sealing a historic victory for India.
At Trent Bridge, Sri Lankan legend Muthiah Muralidaran delivered a masterful spell that stunned England. Chasing 325 runs in the fourth innings, England appeared to be on track, reaching 84 without much trouble. However, Muralidaran struck, initiating a dramatic collapse. England soon found themselves at 132 for 7, as the off-spinner dismantled their batting order. Muralidaran's brilliance continued as he trapped Jon Lewis LBW for his 8th wicket, reducing England to 153 for 9. His exceptional performance secured a victory for Sri Lanka in the third match, leveling the 3-match Test series.
Before Anil Kumble's 1999 heroics, Jim Laker was the first bowler to take 10 wickets in a Test innings. Playing in conditions not known for aiding spinners, Laker worked his magic in both innings of the match. England posted 459 runs, and Laker dismantled Australia, taking 9 for 37 in the first innings. He then completed the unprecedented feat by claiming all 10 wickets for 53 runs in the second innings. Australia had little answer to Laker's spin, managing only brief resistance, and England secured a dominant victory with Laker finishing with match figures of 19 for 90.
New Zealand hasn't seen much success on Australian soil, but Sir Richard Hadlee turned the tide in 1985 with a stunning performance. After winning the toss, New Zealand sent Australia in to bat, and Hadlee quickly took charge by claiming the first wicket with the score at just 1. He continued to dismantle the Australian lineup, taking 8 wickets in succession and finishing with a remarkable 9 for 52, bowling out Australia for 179. Hadlee's heroics led New Zealand to victory in the first Test, and they went on to win the series 2-0.
These spells personify the spirit of test cricket. In each of these spells, the bowler has single-handedly changed the outcome of the match!
