With the oldest rivalry between England and Australia starting in 4 days time it promises to be a mouthwatering contest. In the list of top 10 wicket takers in Ashes, Shane Warne leads with 195 wickets. In the top 10 list of bowlers there are 6 Australian while only 4 English bowlers. Shane Warne has a brilliant economy with 2.52.
Here we look at the top 10 leading wicket takers in Ashes history:
1. Shane Warne
Shane Warne is the leading wicket taker in The Ashes. He played from 1993-2007. He was known as a magician and helped Australia win matches with his leg-spin. He played 36 Test matches for Australia in The Ashes. He has picked 195 wickets. His best figures were 8/71 with an economy of 2.52. He has picked 5 wickets in an innings 11 times and 10 wickets in a match 4 times which tells about the consistency with which he used to bowl.
2. Glenn Mcgarth
Glenn Mcgarth was the second highest wicket taker in Ashes. He played from 1994-2007. He was an excellent fast bowler for Australia. He has picked 157 wickets. His best figures were 8/38 with an economy of 2.70. He picked 5 wickets in an innings 10 times and 10 wickets in an innings zero times in The Ashes.
3. H Tumble
H Tumble was the 3rd highest wicket taker in The Ashes. He played from 1890-1904. He played 31 Test matches for Australia. He has picked 141 wickets. His best figures were 8/65 with an economy of 2.23. He has picked 5 wickets in an innings 9 times and 10 wickets in innings 3 times
4. Denis Lillee
Denis Lillee was the 4th highest wicket taker in The Ashes. He played from 1971-1982. He played 24 Test matches for Australia. He was a damn good fast bowler and has picked 128 wickets. His best figures were 7/89 with an economy of 2.45. He has picked 5 wickets in an innings 7 times and 10 wickets in match 2 times.
5. Ian Botham
Ian Botham was the 5th highest wicket taker in The Ashes. He played from 1977-1989. He played 31 Test matches for England during that period. He was a fast bowler and has picked 128 wickets. His best figures were 6 /95 with an economy of 2.97. He has picked 5 wickets in an innings 7 times and 10 wickets in a match only once.
6. R Willis
R Willis was the 6th highest wicket taker in The Ashes. He played from 1971-1983. He played 31 Test matches and was a fast bowler for England. He has picked 123 wickets. His best figures in Ashes were 8/43 with an economy of 2.78. He has picked 5 wickets in an innings 7 times and 10 wickets in a match zero times.
7. MA Noble
MA Noble was the 7th highest wicket taker in The Ashes history. He played from 1898-1909. He played 39 Test matches for Australia during this period. He has picked 115 wickets. His best figures were 7/17 with an economy of 2.48. He has picked 5 wickets in a innings 9 times and 10 wickets in a match 2 times.
8. Lindwall
Lindwall was the 8th highest wicket taker in The Ashes. He played from 1946-1959. He played 29 matches and played for Australia. He picked 114 wickets in total. His best figures were 7/60 with an economy of 2.28. He has picked 5 wickets in an innings 6 times and 10 wickets zero times.
9. Will Rhodes
Will Rhodes was the 9th highest wicket taker in The Ashes. He played from 1899-1926. He played 41 Ashes Test matches for England. He picked 109 wickets. His best figures were 8/68 with an economy of 2.71. He has picked 5 wickets in an innings 6 times and 10 wickets in match 1 time only.
10 SF Barnes
SF Barnes is the 10th highest wicket taker in The Ashes. He played from 1901-1912 and was from England. He played 20 matches and picked 106 wickets in total. His best figures were 7/60 with an economy of 2.38. He has picked 5 wickets 12 times and 10 wickets in a match only once.