Test cricket's a game of endurance, skill, and moments of brilliance. Taking five wickets in an innings is often seen as a bowler's equivalent of a batsman scoring a century. But grabbing 10 wickets in a single Test match? That's akin to scoring a double century – a truly exceptional feat!
So, who are the bowlers who've achieved this rare milestone most often? Let's focus on the modern era (post-1990) and spotlight some of the leading wicket-takers. Two names stand out in the top tier:
Nathan Lyon: The Aussie Spin King
Alongside Harbhajan Singh, Australia's Nathan Lyon has taken 10 wickets in a Test match a remarkable 5 times. Lyon, a modern-day spin workhorse, has quietly amassed an extraordinary record in Test cricket. He’s not the flashiest bowler, but his consistency, patience, and tactical smarts have earned him over 500 Test wickets.
His five 10-wicket match hauls showcase his ability to perform across both innings, even on pitches that don't heavily favor spin. From the turning tracks of India to the seamer-friendly decks of England, Lyon has consistently proven why he's regarded as one of Australia's greatest off-spinners.
Despite his remarkable success, Lyon sometimes flies under the radar, perhaps because he doesn't create the same kind of excitement as someone like Shane Warne. However, his stats speak for themselves.
Harbhajan Singh: The Turbanator
India's Harbhajan Singh, sharing the spotlight with Lyon, also boasts five 10-wicket hauls. A passionate and aggressive off-spinner, Harbhajan was India's premier spinner in the early 2000s, especially in home conditions. His most memorable performance came in 2001 against Australia in Kolkata, where he claimed 13 wickets, including a hat-trick.
Harbhajan's ten-wicket hauls primarily occurred on the subcontinent, but they were always impactful, often changing the course of the match. He combined spin with bounce and sharp turn, making him particularly dangerous when India needed crucial breakthroughs.
It is worth noting that legendary bowlers like Muttiah Muralitharan, Shane Warne and Anil Kumble sit higher on the all-time list for most 10-wicket hauls in Test Cricket.