On the opening day of the Test series between Pakistan and Sri Lanka in UAE, champion Pakistani leg-spinner Yasir Shah became the quickest spinner to get to 150 Test wickets.
Playing for the first time in national colours since the tour of Windies, Shah was ready to strike on the first day. The leggie upon being introduced into the attack, sent back Sri Lankan batsman Lahiru Thirimanne for a duck, to mark his 150th Test wicket. The occasion meant Yasir became the quickest spinner in the game’s history to get to 150 Test wickets, as he got to the milestone in the matter of just 27 Tests.
Leaving behind a trail of legends, Shah bettered the tally of the Australian spin wizard Clarrie Grimmett. The Australian had reached the milestone in 28 Tests, while Shah got there in his 27th game. Also on the list for the five quickest spinners to get to 150 Test wickets are modern-day spin greats such, as R. Ashwin and Saeed Ajmal.
Both Ashwin and Ajmal got to their 150 Test scalp in the 29th Test of their career. The overall record for the quickest bowler to get to 150 Test wickets held by English great Sydney Barnes, who got to the milestone in just his 24th Test.
Below, is the list of the quickest spinners to get to 150 Test wickets:
- Yasir Shah – Pakistan – 27 Tests
- Clarrie Grimmett – Australia – 28 Tests
- Hugh Tayfield – South Africa – 29 Tests
- Saeed Ajmal – Pakistan – 29 Tests
- R. Ashwin – India – 29 Tests