The Ashes: Top 5 wicket-takers in single edition

4. Glenn McGrath (36 wickets, 1997 Ashes)

Australia won the Ashes in 1997 as they beat the hosts England comfortably by a margin of 3-2. In the visitors’ success, their pacer Glenn McGrath played a primary role with his fabulous bowling. Picking up 36 wickets in 12 innings of six games, the Aussie speedster finished as the leading wicket-taker in the series.

The second Test at the iconic Lord’s ended in a stalemate but McGrath strived to produce his best and dominated England with his 8/38 and 1/65 bowling figures. For his scintillating bowling display in the drawn Test, the pacer also received the Player of the Match award. Continuing his form in the next match, McGrath grabbed 4/46 figures in the second innings and guided Australia to a 268-run win.

Riding on his amazing efforts, Australia clinched the series comfortably after five Tests. England played for pride in the sixth Test and in the intriguing contest, the hosts ended up winning by a close margin of 19 runs. In the losing cause as well, McGrath looked at his best and racked up 7/76 figures in the first innings.