Fastest to 500 Test wickets in terms of balls; Ravichandran Ashwin at No. 2

In the illustrious history of Test cricket, achieving the milestone of 500 wickets stands as a testament to a bowler’s skill, determination and longevity on the field.

Ravichandran Ashwin completes 500 wickets in Test wicket

As the cricketing world celebrates the monumental achievement of India off-spinner Ravichandran Ashwin, who picked up his 500th Test wicket by dismissing England opener Zak Crawley in the Rajkot Test, a select group of bowlers has distinguished themselves by requiring the fewest deliveries to reach the coveted milestone.

𝙏𝙝𝙖𝙩 𝙇𝙖𝙣𝙙𝙢𝙖𝙧𝙠 𝙈𝙤𝙢𝙚𝙣𝙩! 👏 👏

Take A Bow, R Ashwin 🙌 🙌

Follow the match ▶️ https://t.co/FM0hVG5pje #TeamIndia | #INDvENG | @ashwinravi99 | @IDFCFIRSTBank pic.twitter.com/XOAfL0lYmA

— BCCI (@BCCI) February 16, 2024

Glenn McGrath tops the elite list of bowlers

Leading the pack is the legendary Australian pacer Glenn McGrath, whose impeccable line and length propelled him to claim 500 Test wickets in an astonishing 25,528 deliveries. McGrath’s unwavering accuracy and relentless consistency made him a formidable force in the world of cricket, leaving an indelible mark on the sport.

Also READ: Top 5 fastest fifties on Test debut for India; Sarfaraz Khan among the elite list of batters

At No. 2 is the Indian spin maestro Ravi Ashwin, whose exceptional bowling prowess saw him reach the 500-wicket milestone in just 25,714 deliveries. Ashwin’s mastery of spin bowling and strategic brilliance have cemented his status as one of the premier bowlers in contemporary cricket.

𝗠𝘁. 𝟱𝟬𝟬! 🫡 🫡

Only the second #TeamIndia cricketer to reach this landmark in Tests 🙌 🙌

Congratulations, @ashwinravi99 👏 👏#INDvENG | @IDFCFIRSTBank pic.twitter.com/bP8wUs6rd0

— BCCI (@BCCI) February 16, 2024

Following closely behind are two stalwarts of English cricket, James Anderson and Stuart Broad, who achieved the feat of 500 Test wickets in 28,150 and 28,430 deliveries, respectively.

James Anderson, Stuart Broad | ECB

Anderson’s remarkable skill and longevity has made him an instrumental figure in England’s bowling arsenal, earning the right-arm seamer widespread acclaim and admiration from fans around the world.

Rounding out the list is the legendary West Indies pacer Courtney Walsh, who reached the milestone of 500 Test wickets in 28,833 deliveries. Walsh’s ferocious pace and unyielding determination made him a formidable opponent for batsmen, leaving an indelible legacy in the annals of cricketing history.