South Africa is home to some of the greatest pace bowlers who have taken wickets on every soil and are no less than a nightmare for the batsmen. After their return to international cricket in 1991, they have produced many bowlers who have gone past 100 test wickets. Let us now look at the top 10 South African wicket-takers of all time.
1. DW Steyn
Dale Willem Steyn is a right-arm African fast bowler. He started his career in 2004 against England and is one of the greatest bowlers of all time. Steyn took 439 wickets in 171 innings playing 93 test matches with an outstanding average of 22.95. He was the number one bowler for almost six years and retired in 2019.
2. SM Pollock
Shaun Maclean Pollock is a right-arm fast bowler. He started his career in 1995 against England and became the captain of the team in 2000. He is among the few pace bowlers who have played 100 or more test matches. He has played 108 test matches and has taken 421 wickets in 202 innings with an average of 23.11 and retired in 2008.
3. M Ntini
Makhaya Ntini is a right-arm fast bowler. He started his career in 1998 against Sri Lanka. Ntini was the first to take ten wickets at Lord's in 2003. He played 101 matches and took 390 wickets in 190 innings with an average of 28.82 and retired in 2009.
4. AA Donald
Allan Anthony Donald is a right-arm fast bowler. He started his career in 1992 against West Indies. He owns the credit for making the South African team successful in the modern era. He has played 72 matches and took 330 wickets in 129 innings with an average of 22.25. Donald retired in 2002.
5. M Morkel
Morne Morkel is a right-arm fast bowler. He started his career in 2006 against India and was in the top 10 of all the ICC bowling rankings during 2011. Morkel used to bowl at an average of 140 kph. He played 86 matches and took 309 wickets in 160 innings with an average of 27.66 and retired in 2018.
6. JH Kallis
Jacques Henry Kallis is a right-arm fast-medium bowler. He started his career in 1995 against England and was one of the greatest all-rounders. The batsman holds the record for the maximum number of Man of the Match title. He played 165 matches and took 291 wickets in 270 innings with an average of 32.63 and retired in 2013.
7. VD Philander
Vernon Darryl Philander is a right-arm fast-medium bowler. He started his career in 2011 against Australia. Philander has the quality of pushing the balls both ways with a good pace. He played 64 matches and took 224 wickets in 119 innings with an average of 22.32 and retired in 2020.
8. K Rabada
Kagiso Rabada is a right-arm fast bowler, he started his career in 2015 against India. Rabada is the only active South African cricketer in the top 10 test wicket-takers. He regularly bowls at 140-150 kph. The batsman played 47 matches and took 213 wickets in 86 innings with an average of 22.75.
9. HJ Tayfeild
Hugh Joseph Tayfeild was a right-arm off-break bowler who started his career in 1949 against Australia. He is considered one of the greatest off-spinners that cricket has ever produced. Tayfeild played 37 matches and took 170 wickets in 61 innings with an average of 25.91. He retired in 1960.
10. PR Adams
Paul Regan Adam is a left-arm wrist spinner. He started his career in 1995 against England. Adams has played 45 matches and took 134 wickets in 76 innings with an average of 32.87. He retired in 2004.
