England's top-10 Test wicket-takers of all time

19 August 2017 09:39

Stuart Broad moved up to second in the list of England's all-time leading Test wicket-takers as West Indies were thrashed by an innings and 209 runs at Edgbaston.

Broad moved above Sir Ian Botham after cleaning up Shane Dowrich in the inaugural day-night Test in England to move onto 384 scalps, with only opening bowling partner James Anderson now looking down on him.

Here, Press Association Sport looks at England's top 10 Test wicket-takers:

1. JAMES ANDERSON - 492 wickets in 127 Tests (avg. 27.71)

England's king of swing has been showcasing his arts at the highest level for 14 years and is close to becoming the third seamer in history to pass the magical 500 mark. Starting out as a punk-haired prospect and developing into the side's elder statesman, he has established himself as one of the game's most accomplished pace bowlers, operating with continued class and longevity.

2. STUART BROAD - 384 wkts in 107 Tests (avg 28.47) Like his long-time partner Anderson, Broad was blooded early and has outlasted scores of his contemporaries. Few have been better when the scent of blood is in the air, with Broad stringing together some of England's most memorable match-winning spells, including his career high eight for 15 against rivals Australia at Trent Bridge.

3. SIR IAN BOTHAM - 383 wkts in 102 Tests (avg: 28.40)

A force of nature that inspired the England team for much of his storied 15 years stint in the national side. Unlike the top two on the list he was a world-class all-rounder with 14 centuries and 22 fifties to go with his bowling duties. Botham's record of 27 five-wicket hauls remains unmatched.

4. BOB WILLIS - 325 wkts in 90 Tests (avg: 25.20)

An intimidating 6ft 6in bowler of genuine pace, Willis will be remembered longest for his stunning eight for 43 at Headingley in the 1981 Ashes. Battled knee trouble for much of his career but battled hard to stay a force for well over a decade before an unexpected swerve into the media.

5. FRED TRUEMAN - 307 wkts in 67 Tests (avg: 21.57)

'Fiery Fred' was the first player of any nationality to breach 300 Test wickets, an authentically 'fast' fast bowler, who believed himself the better in any one-on-one contest he was pitched into. Played significantly fewer games than most on the list but his strike-rate - once every 49.4 games - and an average of 21.57 trump all comers.

6. DEREK UNDERWOOD - 297 wkts in 87 Tests (avg: 25.83)

England's most prolific spinner, 'Deadly' was a slow left-armer of relentless precision and unusually lively pace. When conditions played into his hands he cashed in greedily, taking 10 wickets in a match on six occasions alongside 17 five-fors. Would have added to his tally if not for his departures for World Series Cricket then a rebel tour of South Africa.

7. GRAEME SWANN - 255 wkts in 60 Tests (avg: 29.96)

Packed a huge amount into his five years of Test cricket, having been a late maturer on and off the field. Swann bucked the global trend by eschewing mystery deliveries in favour of old-fashioned off-spinning brilliance. His mastery of flight and dip, a stunning record against left-handers and a happy knack for striking in the first over of his spell made him all-but irreplaceable until an elbow injury brought the curtain down mid-Ashes.

8.BRIAN STATHAM - 252 wkts in 70 Tests (avg: 24.84)

Lancashire's standard bearer of seam until Anderson emerged to stand alongside, and eventually surpass, his record. Statham combined brilliantly with Trueman in a cross-Roses combination that carried English cricket to some heady victories. His accuracy means he effectively popularised the cricketing truism 'you miss, I hit'.

9. MATTHEW HOGGARD - 248 wkts in 67 Tests (avg: 30.50)

For a while, the genial Yorkshireman was the most loudly sung 'unsung hero' in cricket. He was not as quick as Steve Harmison, as dynamic as Simon Jones or as charismatic as Andrew Flintoff but he was just as crucial to the famous Ashes success of 2005. Opening batsman, particularly right-handers, lived in fear of a swinging new ball when Hoggard was in town and he never shirked his share of the load on flat decks.

10. ALEC BEDSER - 236 wkts in 51 Tests (avg. 24.89)

Had to wait until the age of 28 to make his England bow but immediately showed his medium-pace inswingers and cleverly disguised leg-cutters were of the requisite standard, taking 11 wickets in each of his first two Tests. Hit a peak in the 1953 Ashes, taking 39 wickets at 17.48, including a lifetime best 14 for 99 in the Trent Bridge Test.

Source: PA