Top Five Leg Spinners of All Time

In international cricket, leg spinners have played a significant role and have been highly valued for their ability to take wickets and create pressure on batsmen. Leg spinners are known for their wicket-taking ability, and the unique characteristics of leg spin, such as the ability to turn the ball sharply and deceive the batsman in flight, often lead to batsmen making mistakes and getting dismissed. 

Leg spinners are often considered match-winners due to their knack for breaking partnerships and taking crucial wickets.

While leg spinners are known for their ability to turn the ball, control, and accuracy are equally important. It takes considerable skill and practice to consistently land the ball in the right areas and exploit the turn-on offer. In this article, we have compiled a list of the best 6 leg spinners of all time in international cricket.

Shane Warne – Australia

Without a doubt, Shane Warne was the greatest leg-spinner international cricket has ever seen. Warne was a master at imparting revolutions on the ball. He used his fingers and wrist skillfully to generate sharp spin. His leg break, the stock delivery for a leg spinner, turned from the leg side to the off side for a right-handed batsman. 

Warne was not just a skilled bowler but also a shrewd tactician. He had a deep understanding of the game and could strategize effectively against different batsmen. With 1001 wickets in international cricket across Test and ODIs, Warne became a legend and an inspiration for the younger generation.

Anil Kumble – India

Anil Kumble’s unique bowling style, accuracy, and variations made him one of the most successful and respected bowlers in the history of cricket. He consistently troubled batsmen with his ability to spin the ball sharply and his unwavering discipline. Kumble’s exceptional skills and competitive spirit earned him numerous accolades and established him as a true legend of the game. 

In his Test career, Kumble was part of 132 Tests and picked up 619 wickets at an economy of 2.69. In ODIs, Kumble picked up 337 wickets in 271 games at an economy of 4.30.

Abdul Qadir – Pakistan

Abdul Qadir’s bowling style and his ability to spin the ball with flair made him a true entertainer and an influential figure in the world of leg spin bowling. He played a crucial role in popularizing leg spin and inspiring future generations of spin bowlers in Pakistan and beyond. 

In 67 Tests, Qadir picked up 236 wickets at an economy of 2.71. In ODIs, Qadir scalped 132 wickets in 104 fixtures at an economy of 4.06.

Richie Benaud – Australia

Richie Benaud is one of the most respected Australian cricketers, and his contributions to the game extended beyond his playing career, as he became one of the most respected cricket commentators, further enhancing his legacy in the sport. However, at one point, he was one of the most feared leg-spinners in Test cricket. In 63 Test appearances for Australia, Benaud picked up 248 wickets at an economy of 2.10. He was a master of leg-spin and had a classical leg-spin bowling technique.

Mushtaq Ahmed – Pakistan

Mushtaq Ahmed can be characterized as an unconventional leg spinner who could generate spin and drift. He was a highly effective and successful leg-spinner who became an inspiration for the young generation in Pakistan. 

Mushtaq’s contributions to the art of leg spin have been recognized, and he has also gone on to share his knowledge and expertise as a coach after retiring from playing. In 52 Tests, Mushtaq picked up 185 wickets at an economy of 2.92. In 144 ODIs, he picked up 161 wickets at an economy of 4.26.