Test cricket is the most strenuous one of the three formats in cricket. Bowling is the most physically demanding role in cricket. Hence, bowlers find it difficult to stay consistent in test cricket after turning 35. However, there have been various bowlers who have been terrific despite that. We will now look at the bowlers with the most test wickets after turning 35.

P.S: This list is presented as of 7th September 2022.

1. Rangana Herath

Rangana Herath was a left-arm spinner from Sri Lanka. He is the highest wicket-taker in tests among left-arm bowlers. At the beginning of his career, Herath was a good bowler, giving proper support to Muttiah Muralidaran. However, once Muralidaran retired, Herath became the lead spinner. It led him to become the strike bowler of the team. Herath performed that role beautifully. Herath was the main reason why Sri Lanka was still able to win home tests. One of his most notable performances was his 7-48 against India to defend a paltry target of 176 against India. Rangana Herath took 233 test wickets after turning 35.

2. Clarrie Grimmett

Claire Grimmett was a leg-spinner from Australia. He made his test debut at the age of 33. Hence, Grimmett was pretty old throughout his career. However, he was a top-quality bowler and always bagged a lot of wickets. Claire Grimmett took 192 test wickets after turning 35.

3. James Anderson

James Anderson is a pacer from England. He was pretty average at the initial stages of his career. However, what sets his career apart from that of other pacers is his sheer longevity. He is the fourth bowler in test cricket history to have taken 600 wickets and the first pacer to do so. He is above 40 now and is still England’s best bowler. Facing Anderson with the new ball in swinging conditions is a nightmare for almost every batsman. James Anderson has taken 184 test wickets after turning 35.

4. Shane Warne

Shane Warne was a leg-spinner from Australia. He was known for his style more than his guile. He was an exciting player to watch. He revived the interest in wrist spin, which was fading away among the cricket audience. Shane Warne took 181 test wickets after turning 35.

5. Courtney Walsh

Courtney Walsh was a pacer from West Indies. He was known for bowling fast for a lot of years. He was the first bowler to take 500 test wickets. Courtney Walsh took 180 test wickets after turning 35.

6. Anil Kumble

Anil Kumble is the leading wicket-taker in test cricket among Indian bowlers. He was a leg-spinner. He had an effective googly. His stock ball usually didn’t turn much. However, that didn’t deter him from becoming a dangerous bowler. The final stage of his career had him being the vital bowler responsible for bowling out opposition line-ups at home. In addition, he was also the captain of the team till MS Dhoni was ready to take charge. Anil Kumble took 154 test wickets after turning 35.

7. Sydney Barnes

Sydney Barnes was a pacer from England. He played test cricket from 1901-1914. He had an attacking mindset as a bowler, not allowing the batsmen to settle. He was known for his swing and deviation capabilities. Sydney Barnes took 139 test wickets after turning 35.

8. Muttiah Muralidaran

Muttiah Muralidaran is the bowler with the most wickets in the history of test cricket. He was the backbone of the Sri Lankan bowling attack. The number of five-wicket hauls he took in his career was simply insane. He was still one of the best bowlers in the world after turning 35. His spin bowling was excellent to that extent. Muttiah Muralidaran took 126 test wickets after turning 35.

9. Richard Hadlee

Richard Hadlee was a pace bowling all-rounder from New Zealand. He was one of the greatest bowlers of his time. He is probably the greatest cricketer the New Zealand team has ever produced. Even at the final stages of his career, he was a terrific bowler. He ended on a high, taking a five-wicket haul in his final bowling innings. Richard Hadlee took 116 test wickets after turning 35.

10. Lance Gibbs

Lance Gibbs was an off-spinner from West Indies who played in the 1960s and early 1970s. He was known for his control and stamina to bowl long spells in his later years. Lance Gibbs took 100 test wickets after turning 35.