Most Wickets in The Ashes | England vs Australia Tests Leading Wicket-Taker Since 1882

The Ashes series, since its inception in 1882, has served as one of the most intense and memorable rivalries in cricket history. It has pitted England against Australia in a battle for supremacy. While the batsmen often own the glory of the series, the bowlers have played a pivotal role in determining the outcomes of the dramatic matches. Over the years, many bowlers have left an unforgettable mark on the series with unforgettable spells and record-breaking performances. Here, we will spotlight the top 10 wicket-takers in Ashes history and their contributions to the series.

Top 10 Most Wickets in The Ashes

The leading bowlers who have enriched the series with their performances by picking the most wickets in The Ashes are:

1. Shane Warne (Australia) – 195 Wickets

Shane Warne, the legendary leg-spinner, holds the record for the most wickets in Ashes history. His mastery of spin and unmatched ability to extract turns made him a nightmare for batsmen during his career. One of his most memorable spells came in the 1994-1995 series when he took eight wickets for 71 runs at Gabba, effectively turning a match in Australia’s favor.

2. Glenn McGrath (Australia) – 157 Wickets

Glenn McGrath, with his unrelenting accuracy and ability to swing the ball, ranks second on the list. His height and seamless bowling action allowed him to maintain a disciplined line and length, creating opportunities for dismissals. Glenn’s best performance came in the 1997 series, where he claimed 8 wickets for 38 runs at the Lord’s. 

3. Stuart Broad (England) – 153 Wickets

Stuart Broad, another remarkable talent in the England bowling attack, is known for his ability to strike at crucial moments. With his aggressive bowling style and knack for delivering key breakthroughs, Broad has become a critical component in the Ashes rivalry. His one of best bowling spells was in 2015 when he claimed 8 wickets for just 15 runs at the Trent Bridge.

4. Hugh Trumble (Australia) – 141Wickets

Trumble is one of the pioneers of spin bowling, and his performances in the late 19th century helped shape the art of spin in the game. With 141 wickets to his name and a best of 8/65, Trumble was known for his slow, flighted deliveries that confused batsmen.

5. Dennis Lillee (Australia)-128 wickets

Dennis Lillee was one of the most intimidating fast bowlers in cricket history. His fierce pace and aggression made him a key player for Australia. He picked up 39 wickets in the 1982 Ashes, showing his bowling prowess.

List of Most Wickets Taken in The Ashes

Player	Span	Mat	Inns	Balls	Runs	Wkts	BBI	Ave	SR	4w	5w
Shane Warne (AUS)	1993-2007	36	72	10757	4535	195	8/71	23.25	55.16	15	11
Glenn McGrath (AUS)	1994-2007	30	60	7280	3286	157	8/38	20.92	46.36	7	10
Stuart Broad (ENG)	2009-2023	40	74	8330	4431	153	8/15	28.96	54.44	6	8
Hugh Trumble (AUS)	1890-1904	31	55	7895	2945	141	8/65	20.88	55.99	8	9
Dennis Lillee (AUS)	1971-1982	24	47	6998	2858	128	7/89	22.32	54.67	8	7
Ian Botham (ENG)	1977-1989	32	58	7252	3590	128	6/95	28.04	56.65	7	7
Bob Willis (ENG)	1971-1983	31	61	6466	2998	123	8/43	24.37	52.56	4	7
James Anderson (ENG)	2006-2023	39	72	8599	4209	117	6/47	35.97	73.49	8	5
Monty Noble (AUS)	1898-1909	39	66	6895	2860	115	7/17	24.86	59.95	1	9
Ray Lindwall (AUS)	1946-1959	29	51	6728	2559	114	7/63	22.44	59.01	3	6

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Q1: Who is the leading wicket-taker of the Ashes?
A1: The leading wicket-taker in the history of the Ashes is Shane Warne, who took 195 wickets during his career.

Q2: How many wickets did Glenn McGrath take in the Ashes?
A2: Glenn McGrath took a remarkable 157 wickets in Ashes Tests, making him one of the most successful bowlers in the history of the series.