New Zealand can be termed as one of the most underrated teams in world cricket. However, this notion is quickly becoming outdated as the New Zealand team has shown great prominence in recent years. The team has performed exceedingly well in Test cricket, which has been possible due to their strong bowling. In this article we mention New Zealand bowlers with the highest five-wicket-hauls in Test cricket.
1. Richard Hadlee
Sir Richard Hadlee, one of the few Kiwi players to be honoured with the salutation 'Sir', is the first to feature on our list. Hadlee was a left-handed batter and a right-arm fast bowler from Christchurch, Canterbury. He played for New Zealand in Test cricket from 1973 to 1990 in a total of 86 matches. In 150 innings, he took 431 wickets, with 36 five-wicket-hauls to his name.
2. Daniel Vettori
Next, we have Daniel Vettori, an ex-New Zealand captain and one of their best off-spinners of all time. Vettori first played for New Zealand in Test cricket in 1997 and was a part of the Test team until 2014. He played in 112 matches and in 185 innings he picked up 361 wickets at an average of 34.15. He took 20 five-wicket-hauls during his Test career.
3. Tim Southee
Tim Southee is a right-arm fast bowler for New Zealand from Whangarei, Northland. He made his Test debut against England at Napier in 2008 and since then has been an important figure in the New Zealand team. He has featured in 88 Test matches so far and has picked up 347 wickets in 166 innings at an average of 28.99. He has picked up 14 five wicket-hauls in his Test career so far.
4. Chris Cairns
Chris Cairns, the right-arm fast medium bowler from Picton, Marlborough, features in our list at number four. Cairns made his Test debut in 1989 against Australia in Perth and played in Test cricket until 2004. In 62 Test matches, he picked up 218 wickets, with 13 five-wicket-hauls to his name.
5. Danny Morrison
The cricketer turned commentator and one of the most entertaining ones in that department, Danny Morrison, is next to feature on the list. Danny played as a right-arm fast medium bowler and made his Test debut in 1987 against Australia at Brisbane. Until 1997, he played in 48 matches and took 160 wickets, with 10 five-wicket-hauls to his name.
6. Chris Martin
Chris Martin was a right-arm fast medium bowler from Christchurch, Canterbury, who first played for New Zealand in Test cricket in 2000 against South Africa at Bloemfontein. In 71 Test matches, he took 233 wickets at an average of 33.81 and got ten five-wicket-hauls under his belt. He played his last Test in 2013 against South Africa.
7. Trent Boult
Trent Boult, the left-arm fast medium bowler from Rotorua, is next to show up on our list. It was in 2011 that Boult was first seen playing for New Zealand in Test cricket. Since then, he has been in the New Zealand Test team in 78 matches. In 149 innings, he has taken 317 wickets at an average of 27.49 with ten five-wicket hauls to his name.
8. Neil Wagner
Neil Wagner is a left-arm medium fast bowler from Pretoria, Transvaal, who made his debut in Test cricket in 2012 against West Indies at North Sound. Until 2022, he had been a part of the team in 59 Test matches and had picked up 246 wickets at an average of 26.71 with nine five-wicket-hauls to his name.
9. Simon Doull
Simon Doull, a right-arm fast medium bowler from Pukekohe, Auckland, is the last to feature on our list. Simon made his Test debut in 1992 when he played his first Test against Zimbabwe at Bulawayo. Until 2000, he featured in 32 Tests and took 98 wickets at an average of 29.30, including six five-wicket-hauls.
10. Lance Cairns
Lance Cairns was a right-arm medium fast bowler for New Zealand during the mid-70s and early 80s. Cairns played his first Test in 1974 against Australia at Adelaide. He was a part of the New Zealand Test team until 1985, when he played 43 matches and took 130 wickets. He's got six five wicket-hauls to his name.
