Top 5 Bowlers Who Have Bowled Most Balls on Home Soil in Test Cricket

Test cricket is the oldest and most traditional form of the game, with matches dating back to the mid-19th century. The format has a rich history and is deeply rooted in the heritage of cricket. Test matches provide a sense of tradition, continuity, and historical significance to the sport.

Test cricket is widely regarded as the ultimate test of a cricketer’s skills and abilities. It requires players to demonstrate not only their technical prowess but also mental resilience, concentration, and patience over an extended period. The longer format tests a player’s technique, temperament, and ability to adapt to different playing conditions and situations.

In this article, we have compiled a list of bowlers who have bowled the most balls on home soil in the longest format of the game.

5) Stuart Broad – 19048 Balls

Stuart Broad has been an exceptional wicket-taker in Test cricket. He is known for his ability to swing the ball both ways and extract movement off the pitch. Broad has been effective in troubling batsmen with his pace, bounce, and accuracy. His ability to generate breakthroughs at crucial moments has been instrumental in England’s success in Test matches.

Broad has reached several milestones in Test cricket. He became the second English bowler to take 500 Test wickets, achieving the feat in July 2020. Overall, Broad has bowled 19048 balls on England pitches in the Test format.

4) Shane Warne – 19417 Balls

Shane Warne, the Australian leg-spinner, is considered one of the greatest bowlers in the history of the game. He holds the fourth position in terms of bowling the most balls on home soil in Test cricket with 19417 balls. Warne was known for his prodigious turn and ability to deliver match-winning performances. He consistently troubled batsmen, particularly on Australian pitches that offered bounce and spin. Warne’s lengthy spells and his ability to generate wicket-taking opportunities contributed to his high ball count.

3) Anil Kumble – 20792

Anil Kumble, the former Indian leg-spinner, occupies the third spot in terms of bowling the most balls on home soil in Test cricket with 20792. Kumble was known for his accuracy, control, and ability to generate spin. He enjoyed considerable success in home conditions, taking advantage of the turning pitches in India. Kumble’s ability to bowl long spells and tire out batsmen contributed to his high ball count in Test matches.

2) James Anderson – 22004

James Anderson, the veteran English fast bowler, holds the 2nd position in the list with 22004 balls and the number is still growing because he is still a crucial part of England’s Test squad. He has been a mainstay of the English bowling attack for many years and has been highly successful in English conditions. Anderson’s ability to swing the ball and extract movement has made him a potent threat. He has consistently troubled batsmen and has bowled a significant number of overs in Test matches played in England.

1) Muttiah Muralitharan – 25061

Muttiah Muralitharan, the legendary Sri Lankan off-spinner, tops the list with 25061 balls. Muralitharan was a master of spin bowling and holds the record for the most wickets in Test cricket. He was particularly lethal on home soil, where the pitches offered assistance to spinners. Muralitharan’s ability to deceive batsmen with his variations and his relentless accuracy allowed him to bowl a significant number of overs in Test matches played in Sri Lanka.