Most wickets in Tests in 2022
Bowlers used to be the most undervalued element of cricket and their impact was frequently overlooked. But times have changed, and bowlers, particularly pacers, have succeeded in making their impression on the cricket ground. Of the 43 international Test matches played this year, the pacers have majorly dominated and they took the most number of wickets. Overall, the pace bowlers claimed over 800 wickets and the spinners claimed over 450 wickets in Tests this year.
On that note, let us have a look at the bowlers who took the most Test wickets in 2022:
Stuart Broad – 40 wickets
One of England’s most experienced bowlers, Stuart Broad marked a return to the Test format under the leadership of Ben Stokes. The English side was revamped after Brendon McCullum took over the coaching duties earlier this year, but Broad continued to play to the best of his abilities and ended the year with 40 wickets from nine games.
Jack Leach – 46 wickets
Another Englishman in the list of top wicket-takers of 2022 is spinner Jack Leach, who finished with 46 Test wickets to his name. Jack Leach was a part of 14 of the 15 Tests England played in 2022. He claimed five five-wicket hauls this year and registered the best figures of 5/66 in a game against New Zealand in June 2022.
Kagiso Rabada, Nathan Lyon – 47 wickets
South African pacer Kagiso Rabada and Australian spinner Nathan Lyon share the top spot with 47 wickets to their name. Rabada missed out on two games and was a part of nine out of the total 11 Tests played by South Africa this year. On the other hand, Lyon was a part of all the 11 Tests that Australia played in 2022. Jack Leach had been on top of the list, but both Rabada and Lyon managed to pick wickets in second Australia vs South Africa Test and claimed the top spot.