Most wickets taken by non-Asian spinners in Asia
Asia has always been a tough prospect for visiting countries given the spin-friendly nature of the tracks in the sub-continent. However, despite being a bowling paradise for slower bowlers, several visiting spinners have failed to replicate the Asian spinners on these conditions. But a handful of spinners got their calibrations spot on these conditions and had great playing in Asia. On that note, we list the three most successful non-Asian spinners in the subcontinent.
Daniel Vettori (New Zealand) – 98
Former New Zealand skipper Daniel Vettori was one of the most sought-after all-rounders during his playing career. Arguably one of the best spinners produced by New Zealand, Vettori is among one of the only three players to do the double of 4000+ runs and 300+ wickets in Test cricket. The left-arm spinner relied more on drift rather than actual turn and scalped a total of 362 wickets. Out of his 362 wickets, 98 came in the Asian sub-continent.
Shane Warne (Australia) – 127
There cannot be a list of leading wicket-takers without a mention of the iconic Shane Warne. The prodigious leg spinner, who tragically passed away in 2022, was one of the greatest entertainers to have set foot on the cricket field, and the Asian spectators were also treated to his wizardry during his illustrious career. The second leading wicket-taker in the longest format of the game, Warner scalped a total of 127 wickets in just 25 matches, with 11 five-wicket hauls in an innings, and three ten-wicket hauls in a match to his name.
Nathan Lyon (Australia) – 140
After years of flying under the radar, Australia’s Nathan Lyon is finally getting the recognition he deserves. Although he was always unfairly compared to the legendary Warne during his initial days, he has slowly but surely won over the fans with his consistent performances with the ball. The veteran off-spinner has got 482 wickets to his name, with 140 of those coming in Asia. He has loved playing in India, scalping 56 wickets in the Asian country, his most in a country outside Australia.
