Ruling the roost: Most international wickets by a bowler in one country
Any format of the game demands specific skills from a bowler according to the conditions where he/she is playing the match. Most of the time it is seen that players generally do well at their home. In this article, we are going to list out 5 bowlers who have taken the most wickets in one country. Since a team plays almost half of its matches at home, these bowlers have taken maximum wickets in their home country.
5. Glenn McGrath – 449 wickets (Australia)
Aussie legend Glenn McGrath took a total of 449 wickets in 161 matches he played in Australia, his home country, and is on the fifth spot in this record list. This includes 14 five-fers and two 10-wicket hauls as well. He took 289 of these wickets in the Test format, while 160 in the ODIs. McGrath played only 2 T20Is but both of them were away from home.
4. Shane Warne – 453 wickets (Australia)
One of the greatest spinners Shane Warne picked up a total of 453 wickets in Australia and was part of 153 international matches at his home. Warne took 319 wickets at home in Test format, while 134 wickets came in the ODI format. Warne picked 16 fifers and 4 ten-wicket hauls in international cricket at home. His best bowling figures in the match were 12/128, and he bowled at an average of 25.80.
3. Anil Kumble – 476 wickets (India)
Former India spinner Anil Kumble has 476 wickets to his name at home. Among these, he took 350 wickets in the longest format, while the remaining 126 wickets were picked in the 50-over format. Kumble also took 10 wickets in a Test inning during this interval. He picked up 26 fifers and 7 ten-wicket hauls as well. Kumble’s bowling average at home was 25.95 with the strike rate being 54.
2. James Anderson – 525 wickets (England)
English pacer James Anderson who is still going strong at 38 has taken a total of 525 wickets in England till now. He is the number 1 pacer in terms of most wickets at home in international cricket. Most of these wickets (384) have come in Test format, while he has taken 131 wickets in ODIs. In the T20I format, Anderson has taken 10 wickets in England. His average at home is 24.51, with 22 fifers and 3 ten-wicket hauls.
1. Muttiah Muralitharan – 647 wickets (Sri Lanka)
Sri Lankan legend Muttiah Muralitharan who has taken the most wickets (1347) in international cricket, also holds the record for picking the most wickets in one country. He has taken 647 wickets in Sri Lanka, and 493 of these have come in Test format. The remaining 154 wickets were taken in the 50-over format. Muralitharan has a record 47 fifers to his name in Sri Lanka, most by any player in a single country.
