Top 10 Best figures in Test Match: Powerful Bowling Performances

Cricket is often remembered for majestic centuries, thrilling run chases, and iconic partnerships. But there’s something magical about a bowler single-handedly destroying a batting lineup. These are the rare moments when one player’s skill, accuracy, and endurance dominate five days of play. Here, we count down the Top 10 Best Figures in Test Match history where bowlers wrote their names in golden letters.

List of Top 10 Best figures in Test Match

10. Sir Richard Hadlee – 15/123 vs Australia (1985)

Sir Richard Hadlee, New Zealand’s greatest fast bowler, delivered a masterclass at Brisbane in 1985. Bowling against Australia in their own backyard, Hadlee combined speed, swing, and precision to claim 15 wickets. His performance laid the foundation for a historic New Zealand win. It remains one of the Best Figures in Test Match cricket for a fast bowler from New Zealand.

Overs	Maidens	Runs	Wickets	Team	Opposition
52.3	13	123	15	New Zealand	Australia

9. Hedley Verity – 15/104 vs Australia (1934)

Hedley Verity, known for his graceful left-arm spin, produced one of the most effective spells in Ashes history. At Lord’s in 1934, he dismantled Australia’s strong batting order with relentless line and length. His 15 wickets in the match are still counted among the Best Figures in Test Match play by a spinner from England.

Overs	Maidens	Runs	Wickets	Team	Opposition
58.3	23	104	15	England	Australia

8. Colin Blythe – 15/99 vs South Africa (1907)

Colin Blythe’s performance in 1907 at Leeds was a masterclass in classical left-arm orthodox bowling. He deceived South African batters with flight and sharp spin, picking up 15 wickets for just 99 runs. It was one of the earliest entries in the record books of Best Figures in Test Match history.

Overs	Maidens	Runs	Wickets	Team	Opposition
38.3	10	99	15	England	South Africa

7. George Lohmann – 15/45 vs South Africa (1896)

Bowling in the 1890s, George Lohmann’s figures look almost unreal. At Gqeberha (then Port Elizabeth), he bowled with deadly accuracy and movement to claim 15 wickets while giving away only 45 runs. His performance stands tall even today as one of the Best Figures in Test Match cricket’s early years.

Overs	Maidens	Runs	Wickets	Team	Opposition
25.3	11	45	15	England	South Africa

6. Johnny Briggs – 15/28 vs South Africa (1889)

In what is arguably the most economical 15-wicket haul ever, Johnny Briggs bowled South Africa out almost single-handedly. His figures of 15 for just 28 runs in 1889 came in a time when wickets were rough and conditions favored bowlers. Still, these numbers are stunning and rank among the Best Figures in Test Match cricket.

Overs	Maidens	Runs	Wickets	Team	Opposition
33.3	16	28	15	England	South Africa

5. Muttiah Muralitharan – 16/220 vs England (1998)

One of the greatest spinners in cricket history, Muttiah Muralitharan showed his endurance and magic in this epic Test match at The Oval. Bowling over 100 overs, Murali picked up 16 wickets and led Sri Lanka to a historic victory. These remain the Best Figures in Test Match cricket for any Sri Lankan bowler.

Overs	Maidens	Runs	Wickets	Team	Opposition
113.5	41	220	16	Sri Lanka	England

4. Bob Massie – 16/137 vs England (1972)

In his debut Test match, Bob Massie stunned England with swing bowling that mesmerized even seasoned players. At Lord’s in 1972, he took 16 wickets in swinging conditions, a feat that remains unmatched by any debutant. His debut is often cited among the Best Figures in Test Match history for first-timers.

Overs	Maidens	Runs	Wickets	Team	Opposition
60.1	16	137	16	Australia	England

3. Narendra Hirwani – 16/136 vs West Indies (1988)

Another dream debut, Narendra Hirwani’s leg-spin baffled the mighty West Indies in Chennai. The young Indian spinner took 16 wickets in just 33.5 overs, showcasing unbelievable control and confidence. It’s one of the most iconic spells by an Indian bowler and easily one of the Best Figures in Test Match cricket.

Overs	Maidens	Runs	Wickets	Team	Opposition
33.5	6	136	16	India	West Indies

2. Sydney Barnes – 17/159 vs South Africa (1913)

Sydney Barnes was a master of seam and swing. His control and consistency helped him take 17 wickets against South Africa in 1913. Playing on a bouncy Johannesburg pitch, Barnes delivered one of the Best Figures in Test Match bowling by exploiting the conditions to perfection.

Overs	Maidens	Runs	Wickets	Team	Opposition
65.3	16	159	17	England	South Africa

1. Jim Laker – 19/90 vs Australia (1956)

Topping the list of Best Figures in Test Match history is Jim Laker’s iconic 19-wicket haul. At Old Trafford, Laker destroyed Australia with his off-spin magic, including a historic 10-wicket innings. His match figures of 19/90 remain untouched, unmatched, and perhaps unbeatable to this day.

Overs	Maidens	Runs	Wickets	Team	Opposition
68.0	27	90	19	England	Australia

READ MORE:

• Top 10 Most Runs in a Single Test Match: Legendary Performances
• Top 10 Best Test Score for India at each Batting Position

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