Top 5 Wicket Takers for England in Tests

Top 5 Wicket Takers for England in Tests: England Pacer Jimmy Anderson, after having West Indies skipper Denesh Ramdin caught at slips by Alastair Cook has become the highest wicket taker for England in Tests. Anderson overtook legendary Sir Ian Botham’s record of 383 wickets with the wicket of Ramdin. Ian Botham, England’s finest ever to have played the game has scalped 383 wickets in 168 innings while Anderson managed to overtake him in 187 innings.

Following them in the list is Bob Willis, who has 325 wickets to his name from 165 innings. Willis was the highest wicket taker for England before Botham surpassed him. Willis himself surpassed England’s most decorated bowler Fred Trueman who has notched up 307 wickets in just 127 innings at a stunning average of just over 21. England’s best spinner till date Derek Underwood completes the list with 297 wickets in 151 innings at an average of 26. Surprisingly, among these five names, Anderson has the worst average of nearly 30.

Here is the list of top five wicket takers for England in Tests.

*stats updated till 19 April 2015
**5/10 represents 5 wickets per innings/10 wickets per a match

With some years left in him, Anderson could well be the first Englishman to scale the 400 wicket mark and could go on to cross the 450 wickets milestone as well. The only threat to Anderson’s record his partner in crime with the new ball, Stuart Broad. Broad has 267 wickets in 75 matches and has at least 6 years left in him. If he manages to bowl consistently, he could end his career as the leading wicket taker for his side.