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Most wickets by an England bowler in Test cricket history

Test cricket in England has a long and illustrious history, dating back to the 19th century. The sport’s roots can be traced back to the 1870s when the first-ever Test match was played between England and Australia at the Melbourne Cricket Ground in 1877. James Anderson leads the charts for the most Test wickets by an England player. A legendary English cricketer and one of the game’s most prolific fast bowlers.

With an impressive tally of 630 Test wickets as of September 2021, Anderson holds the record for England’s highest wicket-taker in the longest format of the game. Renowned for his remarkable swing bowling skills, he has been a linchpin in England’s bowling attack for nearly two decades. A true icon of the sport, Anderson’s ability to consistently deliver match-winning performances has made him a beloved figure among cricket enthusiasts worldwide. Let’s have a look at the list of the top 5 bowlers with most wicket for England.

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List of players with the most Test wickets for England

1. James Anderson

Test Wickets: 630

Debut: 2003

Anderson is England’s all-time leading wicket-taker in Test cricket. James Anderson is known for his swing bowling and has been a key player in England’s bowling attack for many years.

2. Stuart Broad

Test Wickets: 524

Debut: 2007

Stuart Broad is another highly successful fast bowler for England and has formed a potent partnership with James Anderson. He is known for his ability to swing the ball and has delivered several match-winning performances.

3. Ian Botham

Test Wickets: 383

Career: 1977-1992

Ian Botham was not only a prolific wicket-taker but also an exceptional all-rounder. He played a key role in many famous victories for England with both bat and ball.

4. Bob Willis

Test Wickets: 325

Career: 1971-1984

Bob Willis was a formidable fast bowler and one of England’s leading bowlers during his era. He was known for his pace and aggressive bowling.

5. Fred Trueman

Test Wickets: 307

Career: 1952-1965

Fred Trueman was the first bowler to take 300 Test wickets and was England’s leading wicket-taker until surpassed by Botham. He was one of the most fearsome fast bowlers of his time.

Most wickets by an England player in Test matches

PlayerMatchesSpanWickets
James Anderson1452003 to present630
Stuart Broad1142007 to present524
Ian Botham941977 to 1992383
Bob Willis822007 to 2015325
Fred Trueman 851952 to 1965307

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