Top 10 Players with the Most Wickets in All Formats: Unstoppable Bowling Legends

Bowling has always been the backbone of cricket, and over the years, some extraordinary bowlers have left their mark on the game by consistently picking wickets across Test matches, One Day Internationals (ODIs), and T20Is. In this article, we count down the Top 10 Players with the Most Wickets in All Formats, featuring cricket legends whose skills, control, and match-winning abilities made them icons of the sport.

Let’s take a deeper look at these bowling greats from rank 10 to 1, with detailed stats and descriptions.

List of Top 10 Players with the Most Wickets in All Formats

10. Tim Southee (New Zealand)

New Zealand’s Tim Southee has proven to be one of the most dependable bowlers in modern cricket. Known for his ability to swing the ball both ways, Southee has been instrumental in many Kiwi victories, especially in Test matches. Over the years, he has adapted his game beautifully across all formats. His control, variations, and leadership have made him a complete bowler. Whether it’s the red ball or the white ball, Southee always steps up when it matters.

Format	Matches	Innings	Wickets
All Formats	394	485	776

9. Waqar Younis (Pakistan)

One of the fiercest fast bowlers in cricket history, Waqar Younis was known for his toe-crushing yorkers and reverse swing. His fiery pace and aggression made him a nightmare for batters in the 1990s. Partnering with Wasim Akram, Waqar formed one of the most dangerous bowling pairs in the world. He had the rare ability to pick wickets even on flat pitches, making him a valuable asset across all formats.

Format	Matches	Innings	Wickets
All Formats	349	412	789

8. Shaun Pollock (South Africa)

Shaun Pollock, South Africa’s fast bowling all-rounder, was the epitome of control and consistency. With his tight lines and disciplined approach, Pollock troubled top-order batters for years. He was equally effective in Tests and ODIs, and even adapted well in the early T20 era. Beyond his bowling, Pollock was also known for his sharp cricketing brain and played a key leadership role for South Africa. He truly deserves his place among the Players with the Most Wickets in All Formats.

Format	Matches	Innings	Wickets
All Formats	423	510	829

7. Stuart Broad (England)

Stuart Broad has been a key figure in England’s pace attack, especially in Test cricket. Known for his fiery spells and wicket-taking bursts, Broad was a consistent performer in home conditions. He often turned games in England’s favor with his ability to generate movement off the pitch. His memorable spells, particularly in the Ashes, have earned him legendary status. Broad’s long career is a testament to his fitness and hunger for wickets.

Format	Matches	Innings	Wickets
All Formats	344	485	847

6. Wasim Akram (Pakistan)

Arguably the greatest left-arm fast bowler of all time, Wasim Akram had a magical ability to swing the ball both ways. His experience and control made him deadly with the new and old ball alike. Wasim was particularly brilliant in ODIs, where he won countless matches for Pakistan. His performance in all formats puts him among the Players with the Most Wickets in All Formats, and he remains a true inspiration for fast bowlers worldwide.

Format	Matches	Innings	Wickets
All Formats	460	532	916

5. Glenn McGrath (Australia)

Glenn McGrath was the master of line and length. Unlike some of his fast-bowling peers who relied on pace, McGrath focused on relentless accuracy and subtle movement. His consistency made him one of the most respected bowlers in world cricket. Whether bowling in Tests or ODIs, McGrath was known to strike at crucial times. His impact is evident from his presence in the list of Players with the Most Wickets in All Formats.

Format	Matches	Innings	Wickets
All Formats	376	493	949

4. Anil Kumble (India)

Anil Kumble was India’s most successful bowler for over a decade. Unlike many spinners who relied on turn, Kumble used bounce, accuracy, and subtle variations in pace to deceive batters. He was particularly effective on subcontinent pitches but also delivered key performances abroad. His dedication and match-winning spells earned him a place in the elite list of Players with the Most Wickets in All Formats.

Format	Matches	Innings	Wickets
All Formats	403	501	956

3. James Anderson (England)

James Anderson is the highest wicket-taker among fast bowlers in the history of the game. With impeccable seam and swing control, Anderson has been England’s bowling spearhead since the mid-2000s. Even in 2025, he continues to play at the highest level, taking wickets and breaking records. His adaptability to different conditions makes him one of the greatest bowlers of all time, firmly placing him among the Players with the Most Wickets in All Formats.

Format	Matches	Innings	Wickets
All Formats	401	560	991

2. Shane Warne (Australia)

Shane Warne revolutionized leg-spin bowling. His incredible control, sharp turn, and mind games with batters made him a true cricket icon. Warne could win matches single-handedly and was often the go-to bowler in high-pressure situations. His 1001 international wickets reflect his dominance across formats and his ability to influence the outcome of any match.

Format	Matches	Innings	Wickets
All Formats	339	464	1001

1. Muttiah Muralitharan (Sri Lanka)

Sitting at the top of the list of Players with the Most Wickets in All Formats, Muttiah Muralitharan is a once-in-a-generation cricketer. His unique bowling action, unmatched turn, and unrelenting accuracy made him a nightmare for batters around the world. Murali’s dominance in both Tests and ODIs is unmatched, and his record of 1347 wickets remains untouched. He is widely regarded as the most successful bowler in cricket history.

Format	Matches	Innings	Wickets
All Formats	495	583	1347

READ MORE:

• Top 10 Legendary Bowlers with Best Averages in Test Cricket (Minimum 200 Wickets) – Heroes Who Ruled the Game
• Top 10 Highest Run Scorers of All Time: Cricket Legends Who Ruled the Scoreboard

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