In the longest format of cricket, the test matches can last up to five days. The bowlers have long dictated a balance and dominated the matches with their impeccable bowling attacks in a wide range of conditions and on different types of pitches in test cricket. Showcasing their ability to maintain the line and length, a few bowlers have consistently maintained the run rate and have created pressure on the opposition by picking up crucial wickets consistently.
Unlike other formats of cricket, taking wickets is extremely crucial and is emphasized to be a priority for the bowler. By delivering constant and accurate deliveries, a bowler builds unbearable pressure on the top-order batting line of the opposition. Bowlers play a pivotal role in slowing down the run rate because the new batsman on the crease takes time to settle in. Therefore, the bowlers are crucial in keeping the opposition’s batsmen from building good partnerships and scoring a formidable total.
While the bowlers are considered to be the cornerstone of the test cricket format, there have been a few bowlers who have consistently dominated the opposition with their annihilating deliveries and smooth dismissals. The ability and endurance of bowlers to take early wickets assist their team in dominating the flow of the match.
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Although many bowlers are known for their quick dismissals on the ever-changing pitches of test cricket, a few bowlers have established their dominance in the game by picking up the highest number of wickets at a single ground in the test cricket format. In this article, we will take a look at the top 5 bowlers who have taken the highest number of wickets in the test format at the same ground.
| S.No | Bowler | Mat | Overs | Runs | Wickets | Venue |
| 1 | Muthiah Muralidaran | 24 | 1472.5 | 3425 | 166 | Sinhalese Sports Club, Colombo |
| 2 | James Anderson | 28 | 1098.3 | 2994 | 119 | Lord’s, London |
| 3 | Stuart Broad | 28 | 1014.5 | 3126 | 113 | Lord’s, London |
| 4 | Rangana Herath | 19 | 924.3 | 2544 | 102 | Galle International Stadium |
| 5 | Heath Streak | 19 | 756.2 | 1920 | 83 | Harare Sports Club |
Muthiah Muralidaran
Former Sri-Lankan spin bowler, Muthiah Muralidaran is the most iconic bowler to reckon with in the history of test cricket. The legendary spin bowler retired with a total of 800 test wickets under his name. Muralidaran’s bowling prowess has established his stature as one of the greatest and finest bowlers in the history of test cricket. His annihilating spins and a wide range of variations made Muralidaran as a greatly celebrated formidable force in the Sri-Lankan national cricket team.
With a total of 800 career dismissals in the test format, Murlidaran has solidified his position as the highest-wicket taker in the history of test cricket. The spin-wizard, Muthiah Murlidaran has picked up 166 test wickets at the Sinhalese Sports Club in Colombo solidifying his position as a bowler with highest number of wickets at the same ground.
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James Anderson
The legendary English pacer, James Anderson holds a plethora of records under his name. With a total of 600 test dismissals, James has been a key player in England’s bowling attack for many years. The right-arm fast bowler also holds the record for taking the second highest number of wickets at the same ground in the test cricket format.
With a total of 119 wickets in 28 matches that he appeared in, the veteran England seamer carved his hunting ground at the Lord’s in London. The legendary former spinner, James Anderson also has his name sculpted the Lord’s board of honors for his brilliant 7 five-wicket hauls.
Stuart Broad
England’s all-time wicket takers, Stuart Broad has guided the England’s national cricket team to victory with his annihilating bowling attack against the opposition team on numerous occasions. Stuart Broad’s ability to swing the ball both ways solidified his position as a crucial player in England’s bowling attack.
With a total of 604 wickets in the test format, Stuart Broad has significantly contributed to England’s success at the international stage. The right-arm fast medium bowler has picked up a total of 113 wickets at his battlefield Lord’s, London, solidifying his position as the bowler to take third highest wickets at the same ground.
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Rangana Herath
Former Sri-Lankan skipper, Rangana Herath is often referred as the backbone of Sri-Lanka’s bowling attack. With a total of 433 test wickets in the 19 matches that he played for Sri-Lanka, Rangana Herath is widely celebrated as one of the highest wicket-takers in the test cricket format. With a wide range of spin variations, Rangana dominated the opposition teams on diverse pitches, his ability to flight the ball in air proved to be his most lethal blow against the opposition.
Over the years, Rangana has played a pivotal role in Sri Lankan victories at the international stage. Rangana picked up a total of 102 wickets at Galle International Stadium, making it his bowling combat zone and solidifying his position as the fourth highest wicket taker at the same ground.
Heath Streak
The Former Zimbabwean cricketer, Heath Streak is often referred as the most dynamic and versatile player in the history of Zimbabwean cricket. With a total of 216 test wickets in the 19 matches that he appeared in, Heath Streak played a pivotal role in elevating Zimbabwean cricket at an international stage.
Under Streak’s leadership, the Zimbabwean team touched numerous victories at the international stage. Streak had a vast bowling experience and his ability to critically analyze and understand the nuance of the game to outfox the batsmen made him outshine as a bowling pioneer in the history of Zimbabwean cricket. Heath Streak picked up a total of 83 test wickets at the Harare Sports Club, solidifying his position as the fifth highest wicket taker at the same ground.
