Test cricket is the most extended format of cricket. Test matches are considered the highest form of cricket. It is scheduled for five days, with two innings each per side. Each day’s play is typically 6 hours played with at least 90 overs bowled.  It is the oldest format of cricket. Currently, 12 national teams have been given the test status by the International Cricket Council. With batting, bowling, and fielding being its crucial elements, let us have a look at the top 10 bowling greats who have taken 400 or more wickets. 

 1. Muttiah Muralitharan 

Muttiah Muralitharan is a former Sri Lankan cricketer who is widely known for his unorthodox delivery, which made him one of the handiest and debatable spin bowlers in records. The Sri Lankan legend, in his career span of 18 years is the leading wicket-taker in the test format of cricket. The spin wizard signed off his test career with 800 wickets in 133 matches. 

2. Shane Warne 

Shane Warne is a former Australian cricketer who is widely regarded as the “Spin King”. The veteran took 708 wickets in 145 matches in his glorious test career of 15 years. He announced his retirement on December 21, 2006, which came into effect after the fifth Ashes Test match at the SCG.

3. James Anderson 

James Anderson, considered the greatest of all time, proved long ago to be one of the most accomplished and prolific fast bowlers in England's history. He made his debut at the young age of 21 and is still representing his country at the age of 39. Anderson took his 500th test wicket in September 2017 when he dismissed Kraigg Brathwaite in a Lord's Test against the West Indies. As of now, he is ruling the pacers’ chart with 626 wickets in 164 matches. 

4. Anil Kumble 

Anil Kumble is widely regarded as one of the best leg-spin bowlers in test cricket history. He is the only second Indian bowler after Kapil Dev to take 400 wickets or more. He is the only bowler to take 10 wickets in an inning in a test match. Kumble's 619 wickets came in 132 matches at an average of 29.65. He played his last test match against Australia on 29 October 2008. 

5. Glen McGrath 

Glenn McGrath is considered one of the greatest Australian bowlers of all time. His accurate line and length made him one of the most economical and successful bowlers of his time. He stands tall with 563 wickets in 124 matches in his test career of 14 years. James Anderson was McGrath's final test wicket in the year 2007. 

6. Stuart Broad 

Stuart Broad, born and brought up in England is an English cricketer who made his test debut for his national side at the age of 22. Broad is known for his ability to create bounce on the slowest surfaces. As of now, he has taken 524 wickets in 149 test matches. He was in the squad for the ongoing series between England and India but got ruled out after tearing his right calf muscle. 

7. Courtney Walsh 

Courtney Walsh was known for his aggressive bowling which never let any batsman settle inside the crease. He had an awkward bowling action that was neither elegant nor orthodox. He has taken 519 wickets in 132 test matches. His splendid test career lasted for 17 years. 

8. Dale Steyn 

When you state swing, pace, and rhythm you have got to speak about Dale Steyn. He is a former South African cricketer, arguably one of the best swing bowlers of all time. Steyn is the fastest bowler to reach 400 wickets. He achieved this feat in just 80 matches. The South African announced his retirement on 5 August 2019 with 439 wickets (in 93 matches) in his bag. 

9. Kapil Dev 

Kapil Dev is considered as one of the greatest cricket all-rounders produced by India, the man who led India to their maiden ODI World Cup title in 1983. Known for his deadly outswingers, the Haryana Hurricane was regarded as one of the greatest pace bowlers of his time. He played 131 test matches and took 434 wickets in his test cricket career of 16 years.

10. Rangana Herath 

 Rangana Herath’s career bloomed in his early 30s when many cricketers would have started thinking about their retirement. He is considered one of the greatest left-arm spinners. The Sri Lankan spinner had a successful test career of 19 years. He holds the record of best bowling figures in test matches by a left-arm spinner with 433 wickets in just 93 matches.