Most Wickets in Ashes Series History

Ashes is one of the best tournaments in the globe. It is El Classico of football between Barcelona and Real Madrid. In such a trademark event, every player wants to do well for their country, no matter what the situation is. It’s always been easier for the fast bowlers to perform compared to spinners, as the wickets in England and Australia are fast bowling friendly. But you will be amazed to know that a spinner tops the list of taking the most wickets in Ashes history. 

Shane Warne 

Probably the greatest leg spinner of all time, Shane Warne conquers the list of having the most wickets in Ashes history, 195 wickets in 36 matches. In between 1993 to 2007, Warne played 7 series, making his debut in 1993, Warne’s first ball in the 1993 Ashes is called the ball of the century. The ball got pitched on the leg stump and took the off stump of English batsman Mike Gatting. Maintaining an average of 23.25, Warne claimed 11 fifers & 4 ten-wicket hauls. The magician also holds the record for bowling the most deliveries in Ashes (10757).

Glenn McGrath 

The greatest fast bowler of all time, Glenn McGrath finds himself in 2nd place in claiming the most wickets in the Ashes history. The right-hand pacer bagged 157 wickets in 30 games at an impressive strike rate of 46.3. In 1997, McGrath returned with 8 for 38 at Lord’s against the host England. The ace fast bowler surpassed the 5-wicket mark 10 times in the event. McGrath was a significant part of the Australian side, always ripping the English batting lineup with his impeccable bowling. 

Stuart Broad

One of the vital reasons for England’s success in the home and away conditions, veteran English seamer Stuart Broad occupies the 3rd spot on the honorable list of most wickets in the Ashes history. From 2009 to the current date, the towering fast bowler played 38 matches and snared 149 wickets at an exceptional average of 28.99. He pitches the ball up and tries to get batsmen out with his impeccable inswingers and occasional outswingers. Without consistency and discipline in bowling, the Nottigham star would not thrive, and his best display of swing bowling popped up in the 4th test of the 2015 Ashes, hurting the visitors with his 8/15 to bundle them for 60 runs.

Hugh Trumble

Former Australian off-spinner Hugh Trumble has taken the 4th most wickets in the history of Ashes. In his 14 years of career (1890-1904), Trumble played 31 Ashes games and grabbed 141 wickets at a decent average of 20.88. The all-rounder from Victoria scalped five wickets 9 times and ten wickets 3 times. His supreme show was 8 wickets for 65 runs. 

Dennis Lillee

Whenever we talk about the fastest bowlers of all time, we must utter Dennis Lillee’s name. Dennis Lillee has also made it to this list, bagging 128 wickets in 24 matches. The pace was the principal weapon of Lillee, It was tenacious for the batsmen to score against him. With an average of 22.32, Lillee had a strike rate of 54.6. 

Ian Botham 

Former English all-rounder, Ian Botham gets the 6th spot in the matter of grabbing the most wickets in Ashes. Botham took 128 wickets in 24 Ashes games. His bowling average is captivating at 28.04. In every 56 balls, Botham has bagged 1 wicket in Ashes. His best came in the 1981 Ashes at Leeds, returned with 6/95. 

Player	Matches	Innings	Wickets	Average	Strike Rate	Best	Fifers
Shane Warne	36	72	195	23.25	55.1	8/71	11
Glenn McGrath	30	60	157	20.92	46.3	8/38	10
Stuart Broad	39	72	149	28.99	54.26	8/15	8
Hugh Trumble	31	55	141	20.88	55.9	8/65	9
Dennis Lillee	24	47	128	22.32	54.6	7/89	7
Ian Botham	32	58	128	28.04	56.6	6/95	7
Bob Wills	31	61	123	24.37	52.5	8/43	7
Monty Noble	39	66	115	24.86	59.9	7/17	9
James Anderson	38	70	116	35.25	72.06	6/47	5
Ray Lindwall	29	51	114	22.44	59.0	7/63	6
Nathan Lyon	30	54	110	29.41	63.46	6/49	2
Wilfred Rhodes	41	65	109	24.00	53.1	8/68	6