Bowlers play a key role in test cricket and can often single-handedly win matches. Here is a look at the top bowlers with fifers in the most countries.
Among the three formats in cricket, test cricket remains the only format where the bowler has the most participation. While scoring more than your opponent is still the only way to win even in test cricket, it is nearly impossible to win a test match without taking heaps of wickets. There have been a few bowlers who have rattled the opposition batting lineups more often than others. These bowlers have been the leading players for their country even in away conditions. In the below article, we will take a look at the bowlers with fifers in most countries.
Fifers in most countries
The record for taking fifers in most countries is nine. It was jointly held by legendary spinners Shane Warne and Muttiah Muralitharan for a long time before Nathan Lyon became the latest entrant to the list with his match-winning fifer against New Zealand. These legendary spinners have made sure that no matter what conditions are offered to them they often return successful.
Their skills are a testament to the fact that a bowler can bowl in every condition. Skills can always be honed provided one gets a level playing field like the online casino games .
Shane Warne has taken five-wicket hauls in nine countries which include Australia, Bangladesh, England, India, New Zealand, Pakistan, South Africa, Sri Lanka and UAE. The legendary leg-spinner took 37 fifers in his career. 15 of his 37 fifers came in Australia, while his favourite hunting ground outside of Australia was England where he took eight fifers. His worst performances came in India where despite playing nine matches he only picked up one fifer and bowled with an average of 43.11 (his worst in any country).
Muttiah Muralitharan
In a 19-year-long career filled with extreme highs and lows, Muttiah Muralitharan took a record 67 fifers in test cricket. He took a five-wicket haul in Sri Lanka, Bangladesh, England, India, New Zealand, Pakistan, South Africa, West Indies and Zimbabwe. Except for Australia, the Sri Lankan spinner picked up at least one fifer in each country he played test cricket in. 45 of the 67 fifers came at home in Sri Lanka. Outside Sri Lanka, he enjoyed success in England where he picked five fifers. Just like Warne, his worst performances came in India where Muralitharan picked up two five-wicket hauls in 11 matches bowling at an average of 45.45.
Nathan Lyon
Australian spinner, Nathan Lyon became the latest entrant to the record held by Warne and Muralitharan. The Australian off-spinner is still playing and picked up his 24th five-wicket haul and first in New Zealand when he helped Australia register a win in the first test between Australia and New Zealand in the ongoing test series. Lyon has picked up five-wicket hauls in Australia, Bangladesh, England, India, New Zealand, Pakistan, South Africa, Sri Lanka and the West Indies. He has not picked up a five-wicket haul in UAE despite playing four matches in the country. Lyon has still not played test cricket in Ireland or Zimbabwe.
He has picked up nine five-wicket hauls in Australia. In contrast to Warne and Muralitharan, Lyon has found success in India where he has picked up five fifers in 11 matches and even has an average of 27.35 which is better than his career average. His worst performance has come in Pakistan where he has picked up only one fifer in three matches and has bowled at an average of 44.91.
Following Warne, Muralitharan and Lyon on the list are Wasim Akram, Waqar Younis and Dale Steyn. The three pacers have taken fifers in eight countries.
Conclusion
In conclusion, bowlers remain essential to a team's success in test cricket. Nathan Lyon has just become part of the elite group of spinners who have made records with their fifers across numerous nations, including Shane Warne and Muttiah Muralitharan. Although Warne and Muralitharan faced challenges in India, Lyon has found success there. These bowlers' achievements attest to their skill and dedication to the game, and their efforts highlight the importance of bowlers in test cricket.
