The 5 most prolific left-arm spinners in the history of Test cricket
As many as 114 wickets in 30 Test innings fell to left-arm spinners in the three recent Test series from the period of early October to early November 2024.
If you’ve been watching Test cricket recently, you may have noticed a trend of left-arm spinners cleaning up some high-quality batting attacks.
Two of the top three wicket-takers in all of the Pakistan v England, Bangladesh v South Africa and India v New Zealand Test series were left-arm spinners.
But who are the most prolific left-arm spinners in the history of the longest format of the international game?
5. Daniel Vettori
Daniel Vettori was New Zealand’s youngest Test cricketer and developed into one of the game’s most dependable all-rounders. He was the youngest man to take 100 Test wickets at the age of 21.
A thoughtful left-arm spinner, Vettori’s strength lay in his subtle variation and control rather than pure spin. Vettori was the first left-arm spin bowler to take more than 300 wickets in both Test matches and ODIs.
Given the typical nature of pitches in New Zealand, he would often be operating on pitches that offered minimal assistance to spinners. His high cricketing IQ and unselfish approach made him a respected figure in New Zealand cricket and a beloved international competitor. His final Test record of 362 Test wickets is not too shabby either.
4. Ravindra Jadeja
Ravindra Jadeja is arguably the best current left-arm spinner in Tests. With his tight lines and lengths, he rarely alllows batters score freely. He has three ten-wicket hauls and 15 five-wicket hauls to his Test record.
His rise in international cricket has been marked by consistent performances, especially on subcontinental pitches where he exploits turn and bounce. Jadeja’s athleticism in the field and ability to add valuable runs lower down the order make him an invaluable all-round asset to the Indian team too.
He is one of the most reliable left-arm spinners in the modern era with 319 Test wickets. The scary part is that the all-rounder still has time to improve his impressive Test record.
Read more: How Ajaz Patel ranks among Ian Botham and Shane Warne
3. Bishan Singh Bedi
Bishan Singh Bedi, part of India’s renowned spin quartet, brought artistry to left-arm spin with his graceful action and flighted deliveries.
Renowned for his control and the deceptive loop he generated, Bedi’s bowling appeared effortless but required immense skill.
Over 67 Tests, he claimed 266 wickets. Bedi’s integrity and sportsmanship were as celebrated as his skills and has become an icon in Indian cricket history. His approach to spin bowling inspired generations.
The late Bedi remains a revered figure for his contributions to the game. Bedi was awarded the Padma Shri, the fourth-highest civilian award in India, in 1970.
2. Derek Underwood
Derek Underwood, known as ‘Deadly’, earned a fearsome reputation in the late 1960s and 70s as one of England’s most reliable Test wicket-takers.
Underwood’s bowling style relied on accuracy and a relentless, flat trajectory that was difficult to attack. He was especially lethal in the English damp conditions where his deliveries would skid sharply off the pitch.
Underwood took 297 wickets over 86 Tests and became an integral part of England’s Test bowling attack. His unique approach made him stand out among spinners. His efficiency on sticky wickets earned him legendary status in English and world cricket.
He was also president of the Marylebone Cricket Club (MCC) in 2008.
1. Rangana Herath
Stepping up after Muttiah Muralitharan’s retirement, Herath shouldered the spin-bowling burden with incredible consistency. His mastery of flight, drift and subtle variations allowed him to dismantle batting lineups on the turning tracks of his Sri Lanka home conditions.
Often working without much pace or bounce, Herath relied on accuracy and mental strength to outfox batters.
He finished his Test career with 433 wickets at a commendable average, but incredibly took nine ten-wicket match hauls and 34 five-wicket hauls in an innings.
His influence locally and internationally set a new benchmark for left-arm spinners in Test cricket.
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