Throughout the years, we have seen several match-winning performances in Test cricket that are etched in the history of the game. There have been some memorable bowling performances in Test cricket over the years.
Talking about the best bowling figures in a Test match, some bowlers turned the match around with their heroics with the ball. In the following listicle, we will discuss the top five best bowling figures in a Test match.
Best bowling figures in a Test Match
5. Muttiah Muralitharan - 16/220 in 1998
Sri Lankan great Muttiah Muralitharan registered his career-best figures in a Test match against England at the Oval from August 27 to 31, 1998. The right-arm spinner first took seven wickets in the innings and then went on to clinch nine wickets in the second innings as Sri Lanka defeated England by 10 wickets. Muralitharan registered figures of 16/220 in this Test match.
4. Bob Massie - 16/137 in 1972
Former Australian pacer Bob Massie registered one of the best figures in Test cricket against England at Lords Cricket Ground from June 22 to 26, 1972. The right-arm pacer took eight wickets each in both innings as Australia defeated England by eight wickets. Massie registered the figures of 16//137 in that game.
3. Narendra Hirwani - 16/136 in 1988
Former Indian spinner Narendra Hirwani registered the match-winning spell in a Test match against West Indies in Chennai from January 11 to 15, 1988. The leg spinner took eight wickets each in both innings and played a big role in India’s 255-run win against the Windies. Hirwani took 16 wickets in the match, conceding 136 runs.
2. Sydney Barnes - 17/159 in 1913
Former England cricketer Sydney Barnes registered the second best figures in Test cricket history in a match against South Africa in Johannesburg from December 26 to 30, 1913. The fast bowler registered figures of 17/159. Including eight wickets in the first innings and nine wickets in the second innings as England defeated South Africa by an innings and 12 runs.
1. Jim Laker - 19/90
The best bowling figures in a Test match belong to the former England cricketer Jim Laker. The off-spinner registered figures of 19/90 in a match against Australia in Manchester from July 26 to 31, 1956. He took nine wickets in the first innings and then made a record of clinching 10 wickets in the second innings as England won the match by 170 runs.
