Test cricket is the most interesting format of cricket because it is filled with sledging, deathly bouncers, and massive scores. There are many rivalries in Test cricket, but the most heated and enjoyable to watch is Australia and England, or commonly known as The Ashes. Ashes are filled with excitement, drama, fights, and sledging, everything that you will need to enjoy. There have been many records made during the Ashes. In this article, we will be looking at the top 100 bowlers with the most wickets in the Ashes series.
1. Ray Lindwall – 114
Ray Lindwall is a former fast bowler from Australia. Ray had a very powerful and rhythmic approach that brought hush to arenas all over the world. Ray was considered the best fast bowler at that time, due to his ability to deliver both slower and fast amazingly. Ray took 114 wickets in his contests against England.
2. Monty Noble – 115
Monty Noble was a very old player for Australia who started his career in 1898. Noble excelled in whatever he did, whether it be batting, bowling, fielding, or captaincy. Noble most notable performance came against England when they met in Melbourne in January 1902. Noble took 13 wickets in the game. Noble has a total of 115 wickets against England in 39 matches.
3. James Anderson – 117
James Anderson has proved himself as the best test bowler for England from time to time. Jimmy's talent has been mostly seen in test cricket where his swing bowling has given a difficult time to batsmen. Anderson has played 39 Ashes matches in which he has took 117 wickets. Jimmy's best bowling figure against Australia is 6/47.
4. Bob Willis – 128
Bob Willis stood at 6ft 6ins, tall enough to scare anyone, and was an aggressive bowler. Bob was also one of the fastest bowlers for England. Bob has played 35 test matches against Australia and took 128 wickets against them. Bob’s best performance against Australia was when he took 8 wickets for 43 runs.
5. Hugh Trumble – 141
Hugh Trumble was a deadly off-spinner who performed amazingly everywhere he played. Hugh was a tall man who bowled off-spin at medium pace. Hugh was able to turn the ball enough to hit wickets. Hugh played 31 matches in the Ashes and took 141 wickets. Hugh's economy was also noticeably low, at just 2.23.
6. Ian Botham – 148
Ian Botham was a dominating English cricketer of the 1980s. Ian was a very skillful batter, and this skill also helped England to win two matches in the Ashes. Ian has been a part of 36 Ashes matches and he has taken 148 wickets in them. Ian’s best bowling figure in the Ashes series was when he took 6 wickets for 78 runs.
7. Stuart Broad – 153
Stuart Broad has been a part of the English team since the 00s. Broad is still England’s one of the main bowlers for the Ashes series. Broad’s combative fast bowling and volatile temperament has been one of his greatest strength. In the 2015 test of the Ashes, Broad humiliated Australia as he took 8 wickets for just 15 runs. To this date, Broad has taken 153 wickets in 40 encounters against Australia.
8. Glenn McGrath – 157
Glenn McGrath was one of the finest and most fantastic bowlers Australia could have. McGrath's strengths were his fast pace, and accurate line and length. McGrath has part of 30 Ashes matches and he took 157 wickets in them. McGrath's best bowling performance against England is 8/38.
9. Dennis Lillee – 167
Dennis Lillee is considered the “Complete fast bowler”. Dennis bowled at a frightened pace in international matches. Dennis has humiliated his opponents with his bowling many times. Dennis has played 29 games against England and took 167 wickets. Dennis's best performance was 7/89.
10. Shane Warne – 195
Arguably the best spinner of all time, Shane Warne comes at number one on this list. Warne was the first bowler to reach 700 wickets in test cricket. Warne has played 36 matches against England and he took 195 wickets in them. Warne has also taken 5-wicket haul 11 times against England.
