Fewest Tests played to complete 50 wickets
Test Cricket is considered the toughest format of the game, especially for newcomers who are unaware of the demands of this physically and mentally testing format. However, there have been several occasions in cricket when a newcomer has taken the format by storm with his sensational performances. In the history of Test cricket, several bowlers have tasted early success and have gone on to have a successful career in the longest format of the game. On that note, let’s take a look at the bowlers who took the fewest matches to reach 50 wickets in Test cricket.
Prabath Jayasuriya, Vernon Philander, Tom Richardson (7 Tests)
Jayasuriya made his debut against Australia at Galle in July 2022 and ended up picking a 6-fer on his debut. The left-arm spinner further picked up another six-wicket haul in the second innings to set up a win by an innings and 39 runs and help his side level the series 1-1. The 31-year-old has picked up 50 wickets in seven matches so far and is the joint second-fastest bowler to reach the landmark.
Meanwhile, South Africa pacer Philander made his debut against Australia in Cape Town in 2011 and announced his arrival in international cricket in style as he finished with figures of 8/78 in his debut Test. The right-arm seamer finished his career with 224 scalps from 64 matches at an average of 22.32 with 13 five-wicket hauls and two ten-wicket hauls to his name. The 37-year-old also reached the landmark of 50 wickets in just seven Tests making him the joint second-fastest bowler to reach the landmark.
The English cricketer Richardson made his debut against Australia in August 1983 and got his career off to a rollicking start as he picked up a ten-wicket haul on his debut. He finished his career with 88 wickets from 14 matches at an average of 25.22, with 11 five-wicket hauls and four ten-wicket hauls. Richardson also reached the 50-wicket landmark in seven Tests.
Charlie Turner (6 Tests)
Charlie Turner made his debut for Australia against England in Sydney in January 1887 and ended up picking an eight-wicket haul on debut. Turner finished his career with 101 wickets in 17 matches at an average of 16.93, with 11 five-wicket hauls and two ten-wicket hauls. Turner reached the 50-wicket landmark in just six Tests and remains the fastest player to reach the landmark to date.
