Top 10 Players With Most Wickets in Ashes History

The Ashes Strike Force

The Ashes has been the most intense cricketing rivalry over the past century, with English and Australian bowlers having taken center stage for their abilities. Bowlers like Shane Warne, Glenn McGrath, Stuart Broad, Dennis Lillee, Ian Botham, have all established themselves as Ashes' legends by claiming crucial wickets.

Ray Lindwall

Ray Lindwall was one of Australia's premier post-war fast bowlers, claiming a total of 114 wickets in 29 Tests in the Ashes. He formed a legendary new-ball partnership with Keith Miller, with his best Ashes performance being a devastating 6/ 20 in the 1948 'Invincibles' series at The Oval, which helped dismiss England for just 52.

Monty Noble

Monty Noble, one of Australia's greatest all-rounders from the 'Golden Age' of cricket, claimed 115 wickets in 39 Ashes Tests. He was known for his ability to make the ball 'swerve and spin', and he achieved the rare Test double of 1,000 runs and 100 wickets against the Three Lions, with his best performance in the 1902 Ashes.

James Anderson

James Anderson was one of England's most prolific fast bowlers in Ashes history, having taken 117 wickets in 39 Tests against Australia, with best figures of 6/47. A swing bowling master, he became an enduring figure in the rivalry and, along with Stuart Broad, formed one of the most successful English bowling partnerships of all time.

Bob Willis

Former England international Bob Willis scalped 123 wickets in 31 Ashes Tests, making him one of the country's leading wicket-takers against Australia. He is most famous for his spell of 8/43 runs at Headingley in the 1981 'Botham's Ashes', which orchestrated one of the most miraculous victories in the rivalry's history.

Ian Botham

Sir Ian Botham, England's legendary all-rounder, claimed 128 wickets in 36 Tests against Australia throughout his career. Famed for his fierce competitiveness, he often delivered crucial breakthroughs, notably in the famous 'Botham's Ashes' series of 1981, where his heroics secured one of the rivalry's most improbable victories.

Dennis Lillee

One of the most feared bowlers of all time, Dennis Lillee boasts an outstanding total of 128 wickets in 24 Tests against England at an excellent average of 21.00. He was the dominant Australian strike weapon of the 1970s and early 80s along with Jeff Thomson, with his best performance being a 7/89 in the 1981 series at The Oval.

Hugh Trumble

Ex-Australian spinner Hugh Trumble took 141 wickets in 31 Ashes Tests against England. A subtle and highly effective turner of the ball, he was the first player in Test history to take 100 wickets against a single opposition (England) and later the first to reach 140 wickets, with his best performance being an 8/65 at Melbourne in 1904.

Stuart Broad

England's highest wicket-taker in the Ashes, Stuart Broad has taken a phenomenal 153 wickets in 40 Tests at a very respectable average of 29.35. The former Three Lions' icon, who only retired from playing in 2023, is well renowned for his ability to produce career-defining spells, such as his incredible 8/15 at Trent Bridge in 2015.

Glenn McGrath

Glenn McGrath is Australia's most successful fast bowler in Ashes history, taking an exceptional 157 wickets in 30 Tests against England at an outstanding average of 20.92. Known for his relentless accuracy, consistent line and length, he was the chief destroyer of English batting a decade, with his best display coming in the 1997 series.

Shane Warne

Shane Warne is the leading wicket-taker in Ashes history, having captured a staggering 195 wickets in 36 Tests at an average of 23.25. The legendary Australian leg-spinner consistently tormented English batters throughout his career, highlighted by his iconic 'Ball of the Century' in 1993 and his incredible 40-wicket haul in the 2005 series.