Most Successful Bowling Pairs In Test Cricket

Mitchell Starc and Nathan Lyon (Source: AFP)Australia’s bowling attack continues to build its place in Test cricket history, with active players Mitchell Starc and Nathan Lyon adding to their combined tally.Meanwhile, England’s James Anderson and Stuart Broad remain at the top of the list with 1,039 wickets in Tests played together.The list features legendary combinations from Australia, England, Sri Lanka, the West Indies, India, Pakistan and South Africa. Here are the 10 most successful bowling pairs in Test cricket, based on their combined wickets in matches played together.1. James Anderson and Stuart Broad - England (1,039 Wkts)James Anderson and Stuart Broad sit at the top of the list as the most successful bowling pair in Test cricket. The English fast-bowling duo claimed 1,039 wickets in 138 Tests together.Anderson’s ability to swing the ball and Broad’s knack for producing steep bounce made them a formidable combination across conditions.2. Shane Warne and Glenn McGrath - Australia (1,001 Wkts)Australia’s Shane Warne and Glenn McGrath formed one of the greatest bowling combinations in cricket history. Warne’s leg-spin complemented McGrath’s relentless accuracy, helping Australia dominate Test cricket during the late 1990s and early 2000s. They collected 1,001 wickets in 104 Tests together.3. Muttiah Muralitharan and Chaminda Vaas - Sri Lanka (895 Wkts)Sri Lanka’s Muttiah Muralitharan and Chaminda Vaas combined for 895 Test wickets. Muralitharan’s exceptional off-spin and Vaas’ left-arm pace gave Sri Lanka a balanced attack capable of challenging batters in different conditions. ALSO READTop 10 bowlers with most ODI wickets till January 2026The pair played a crucial role in establishing Sri Lanka as a competitive force in Test cricket.4. Mitchell Starc and Nathan Lyon - Australia (778* Wkts)Mitchell Starc and Nathan Lyon have been among Australia’s most effective bowling combinations in the modern era. Starc brings left-arm pace, swing and an ability to produce devastating spells, while Lyon provides control and a consistent wicket-taking threat through off-spin. Their contrasting styles have made them a key part of Australia’s Test attack.5. Curtly Ambrose and Courtney Walsh - West Indies (762 Wkts)Curtly Ambrose and Courtney Walsh formed one of the most intimidating fast-bowling pairs of their generation. Their pace, bounce, accuracy and relentless pressure made life difficult for opposition batters. The West Indies legends claimed 762 wickets in Tests played together, continuing the Caribbean side’s tradition of formidable fast bowling.6. Pat Cummins and Nathan Lyon - Australia (600* Wkts)Australia captain Pat Cummins and Nathan Lyon have combined pace and spin to deliver consistent results in Test cricket. Cummins’ accuracy and ability to extract bounce complement Lyon’s control and threat on turning surfaces. Their combined tally reflects their importance to Australia’s bowling attack across home and overseas conditions.7. Ravichandran Ashwin and Ravindra Jadeja - India (587 Wkts)Ravichandran Ashwin and Ravindra Jadeja have been India’s standout spin-bowling combination in Test cricket. Ashwin’s variations and tactical awareness pair effectively with Jadeja’s accuracy, speed through the air and ability to exploit turning pitches. Their partnership has been particularly influential in India, where the duo have played a major role in the team’s home dominance.8. Josh Hazlewood and Nathan Lyon - Australia (586* Wkts)Josh Hazlewood and Nathan Lyon have provided Australia with another highly effective pace-and-spin combination. Hazlewood’s disciplined line and length create sustained pressure, while Lyon attacks batters with his off-spin. Their contrasting approaches have helped Australia maintain a potent bowling attack across different Test conditions.9. Wasim Akram and Waqar Younis - Pakistan (559 Wkts)Pakistan’s Wasim Akram and Waqar Younis were renowned for their reverse swing, blistering pace and ability to dismantle batting line-ups. The left-arm angle of Akram and Waqar’s devastating inswinging yorkers made them particularly dangerous with the old ball. Their combined tally of 559 wickets reflects their impact as one of Pakistan’s most celebrated fast-bowling pairs.10. Shaun Pollock and Jacques Kallis - South Africa (547 Wkts)South Africa’s Shaun Pollock and Jacques Kallis complete the list with 547 combined Test wickets. Pollock was known for his accuracy, movement and consistency, while Kallis contributed as a reliable seam-bowling all-rounder alongside his legendary batting career. Together, they played important roles in South Africa’s success across multiple Test campaigns.(*All stats and records updated till 12th October 2026)ALSO READRavindra Jadeja Turns Run Machine For Saurashtra With Brilliant Ranji Trophy Century