Experience a stimulating ride into the fascinating stories of bowlers who are the fastest to 100 Test Wickets as we dig into the history of cricket.
Every story, from blazing-fast bowlers to crafty spinners, is told with a different combination of talent, strategy, and willpower.
Come along on this fascinating trip, remembering the phenomenal achievements of cricket’s pioneers as we go through the statistics and events that define the fastest to 100 test wickets.
Let’s go!
Top 10 Bowlers Who Are Fastest to 100 Test Wickets
Below is the table that includes a list of bowlers who are the fastest to 100 Test Wickets:
| Bowler Name | Country | Venue | Matches Taken | Years Taken |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| George Lohmann | England | Johannesburg | 16 | 9y 241d |
| Charlie Turner | Australia | Sydney | 17 | 8y 4d |
| Sydney Barnes | England | Sydney | 17 | 10y 72d |
| Clarrie Grimmett | Australia | Brisbane | 17 | 5y 323d |
| Yasir Shah | Pakistan | Dubai | 17 | 1y 357d |
| Ravichandran Ashwin | India | Wankhede | 18 | 2y 8d |
| Colin Blythe | England | Cape Town | 19 | 8y 88d |
| Alf Valentine | West Indies | Georgetown | 19 | 3y 261d |
| Andy Roberts | West Indies | Leeds | 19 | 2y 138d |
| Ian Botham | England | Lord's | 19 | 2y 5d |
| y = years, d = day | ||||
1. George Lohmann
In 1986, during a test match against South Africa, England’s George Lohmann became the bowler who reached the fastest to 100 test wickets. It took him just 16 matches to get this milestone.
Lohmann took 112 wickets at a staggering average of 10.75 in just 16 Test matches. His amazing precision, ingenious variations, and historic 1896 performance against South Africa in which he took 9 wickets for 28 runs, all contributed to his remarkable career.
2. Charlie Turner
It took 17 matches for Australian Charlie Turner to reach 100 test wickets. He was a well-known fast bowler with a deadly pace and accuracy. He maintained an outstandingly low test bowling average (16.5) during his entire career.
Turner’s position as one of the greatest fast bowlers of all time was cemented by his impact on Australian cricket, which was characterized by his relentless pace and reliable performances.
3. Sydney Barnes
England’s Sydney Barnes is next in the list of bowlers who are fastest to 100 test wickets. Barnes, who made his Test debut in 1901, was crucial to England’s early 20th-century success.
With a phenomenal bowling average of 16.43, he grabbed 189 wickets in just 27 Test matches. Barnes is known as one of the finest bowlers in cricket history with his ability to swing the ball both ways and produce extremely accurate off-cutters.
4. Clarrie Grimmett
Clarrie Grimmett was able to get 100 Test wickets in just 17 matches. He is the first leg spinner on this list of bowlers who are fastest to 100 Test wickets. Grimmett was also the first bowler in test cricket history to brag 200 wickets.
He was renowned for his impeccable control, variety, and deadly googlys. He concluded his career with an unbelievable 216 wickets at an average of 24.21 from just 37 Test matches.
5. Yasir Shah
Another leg spinner, Pakistan’s Yasir Shah, reached the 100 test wicket landmark in 17 matches. He is one of the two modern-era bowlers to make this list. Yasir achieved a 100 wickets tally during Pakistan’s first ever Day/Night Test match in 2016.
The 37-year-old leggie has taken 244 wickets in just 48 matches as of now. His career started exceptionally well, but he was unable to carry forward the same momentum after suffering back and knee injuries.
6. Ravichandran Ashwin
India’s Ravichandran Ashwin is regarded as the greatest off-spinner of the modern era. Ashwin holds the record for reaching the fastest 350 test wickets (in 66 matches). Ashwin also has the second most Man of the Series awards in test cricket history (10).
Overall, this sensational bowler has grabbed 489 wickets in 94 matches. Currently ranked number one ICC Test bowler took 18 matches to get 100 test wickets.
Many cricket gurus believe that he can easily cross his countryman, legendary Anil Kumble, who records the most test wickets for India (619).
7. Colin Blythe
Blythe, who made his debut in 1901, was instrumental in England’s victory, particularly during the historical Ashes series. With an astounding average of 18.63, he collected 100 wickets at Test level in just 19 matches.
He was an English cricket player who became renowned in the early 20th century for his superb left-arm spin bowling. He is now regarded as one of the greatest bowlers of all time.
8. Alf Valentine
One of the pioneers of Windies cricket, Alf Valentine, comes next on the list of bowlers who are fastest to 100 Test wickets. In the 1950s, Jamaican off-spin bowler Alf Valentine had a lasting impression on West Indies cricket.
He had his career-best performances against England, taking 33 wickets in just 4 Test matches, including a memorable 8 for 104 at the Old Trafford. Valentine’s insightful and precise spin bowling was a major factor in the West Indies’ triumphs.
9. Andy Roberts
Two Times World Cup Winner (1975 and 1979) and former Windies fast bowler Andy Roberts got 100 test wickets in 19 matches. He was well-known for his startling pace, accuracy, and ability to move the ball both ways.
Making his debut in 1974, Roberts was a key member of the lethal West Indies fast bowling quartet and contributed significantly to their success. Roberts played 47 Test matches and claimed 202 wickets at an average of 25.61.
10. Ian Botham
Ian Botham is regarded as one of the finest all-rounders of all time. He is known for his aggressive batting and vigorous bowling. Former England legend Botham played 102 Tests, completed 5,200 runs, and took 383 wickets.
Ashes 1981 was the highlight of his celestial cricket career that made him an all-time great. He scored 399 runs and got 34 dismissals in a mere 12 innings during the 1981 Ashes series.
Final Remarks
8 of the 10 Bowlers who made the list of fastest bowlers to 100 test wickets belong to the 1900s era. George Lohmann is the bowler to reach the fastest 100 test wickets landmark. The list is dominated by English bowlers, there are 4 of them.
Two bowlers included each from Australia and West Indies while the two sub-continent bowlers present in the list are from Pakistan and India. In terms of year, Yasir Shah is the fastest bowler to complete 100 wickets in test cricket.
