5 Bowlers With Most Wickets In ENG vs PAK Test History

James Anderson is the highest wicket taker in ENG vs PAK Tests [Source: @ICC/x.com]

The anticipation is evident as Pakistan gears up to host England in a three-match Test series starting this Monday. Pakistan, still reeling from a shocking home series defeat to Bangladesh, will be desperate to turn the tide and revive their World Test Championship campaign.

On the other hand, England will arrive full of confidence, hoping to extend their fine form from the home season as they aim to climb the rankings. With both teams eager to make a mark, bowlers are set to play a crucial role in shaping the outcome of the series.

Over the years, England-Pakistan Test encounters have produced some exceptional bowling performances. In this article, we rank the top five bowlers with the most wickets in England vs Pakistan Tests.

5. Waqar Younis (Pakistan) – 50 Wickets in 11 Matches

Waqar Younis [Source: @ICC/x.com]

Waqar Younis, the Sultan of reverse swing, tormented English batters with sheer pace and vicious movement. Across 11 matches, he took 50 wickets at an impressive average of 27.04 and a strike rate of just 48.50.

His best bowling performance, 5/52, came when his searing yorkers and late movement in the air were too much for the English batters to handle. Waqar's economy rate of 3.34 reflects his relentless aggression, constantly challenging the opposition.

With four four-wicket hauls and three five-wicket hauls, Waqar was a force of nature in this rivalry, capable of turning matches on their head in a matter of overs.

4. Wasim Akram (Pakistan) – 57 Wickets in 18 Matches

Wasim Akram [Source: @ICC/x.com]

Wasim Akram sits fourth on this illustrious list with 57 wickets in 18 Tests against England. His average of 30.66 might seem a touch high for someone of his calibre, but his ability to swing the ball both ways made him a nightmare for English batters.

Wasim's best bowling figures of 6/67 are a reminder of his brilliance, particularly in conditions that didn’t always favour fast bowlers. 

With an economy rate of 2.63, Wasim was economical yet deadly, constantly applying pressure. His two five-wicket hauls and two four-wicket hauls are proof of his match-winning abilities.

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3. Stuart Broad (England) – 67 Wickets in 19 Matches

Stuart Broad [Source: @ICC/x.com]

England’s ever-reliable strike bowler, Stuart Broad has scalped 67 wickets in 19 Tests against Pakistan at an excellent average of 22.53. His ability to bowl long spells with sustained accuracy has troubled Pakistan's batting line-up time and again.

Broad’s best figures of 4/36 may not be as eye-catching as others on this list, but his consistency in dismantling Pakistan's top order has been remarkable. His economy of 2.44 and strike rate of 55.34 underline his ability to bowl with discipline while also providing breakthroughs.

With four four-wicket hauls, Broad has been the spearhead of England’s attack in this rivalry, particularly in seam-friendly conditions.

2. Abdul Qadir (Pakistan) – 82 Wickets in 16 Matches

Abdul Qadir [Source: icc-cricket.com]

The legendary leg-spinner Abdul Qadir occupies the second spot with 82 wickets in just 16 matches against England. Qadir’s mastery of flight, and spin saw him tear through England’s batting line-up, especially on Pakistan’s spin-friendly pitches.

His best figures of 9/56 stand as one of the most memorable bowling performances in Test history, and his eight five-wicket hauls and four four-wicket hauls reflect his dominance over England.

Qadir’s average of 24.98 and an economy rate of 2.19 show that he not only took wickets in bulk but also choked the flow of runs.

1. James Anderson (England) – 82 Wickets in 20 Matches

James Anderson [Source: @ICC/x.com]

Topping the list is none other than England’s swing maestro, James Anderson. With 82 wickets in 20 matches at a phenomenal average of 19.23, Anderson has been Pakistan’s biggest nemesis over the years.

His ability to swing the ball both ways along with his impeccable control, has seen him dismantle Pakistan’s batting line-up on numerous occasions. Anderson’s best figures of 6/17 sum up his sheer brilliance, showcasing his skill in seaming and swinging conditions.

Anderson often left Pakistan's batters looking as if they were trying to catch smoke with their bare hands, such was his command over the ball. With an economy rate of just 2.33 and a strike rate of 49.36, Anderson has been both miserly and lethal. His three five-wicket hauls and three four-wicket hauls highlight his consistency across multiple series.

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