Which 7 bowlers reached 50 Test wickets the fastest among left-arm seamers? Top spot isn’t as predictable as you’d think
As South Africa and Australia prepare to face each other in the final of the World Test Championship at Lords in June, fans will get the chance to see two of the great left-arm quicks of all time going at it in an attempt to achieve glory for their teams.
On one side is the experienced Mitchell Starc, with 96 Tests to his credit and a massive 382 wickets. He is one of the great left-arm quicks of all time.
On the other side will be young South African Marco Jansen, a giant of man who, with 17 Tests is still at the start of his career. Jansen’s Test career has seen him bag 73 wickets already at an average 21.76, a phenomenal effort at a significantly better average than Starc’s 27.57.
But in terms of fastest ever left-arm quicks to 50 wickets in Test cricket, how do the duo stack up? Let’s take a look…
7. Wasim Akram (Pakistan) – 50 wickets in 18 Tests
Arguably the greatest left-arm paceman of all time, Wasim Akram reached 50 wickets in his 18th Test back in 1988. While that may seem relatively slow compared to others on this list, his legacy is unmatched.
Akram’s blend of pace, accuracy, and mastery of reverse swing made him a once-in-a-generation bowler. He finished his career with 414 wickets in 104 Tests and countless match-winning performances.
6. Zaheer Khan (India) – 50 wickets in 17 Tests
India has historically struggled to produce world-class fast bowlers, but Zaheer Khan was a notable exception. He reached 50 wickets in his 17th Test in 2003 and went on to become India’s pace spearhead.
With his ability to swing the ball both ways, especially reverse it in subcontinental conditions, Zaheer played a pivotal role in many of India’s overseas wins during the 2000s and early 2010s.
5. Chaminda Vaas (Sri Lanka) – 50 wickets in 16 Tests
A craftsman of seam and swing, Chaminda Vaas carried Sri Lanka’s pace attack through much of the 1990s and early 2000s. Vaas reached the 50-wicket mark in 16 Tests, showcasing his ability to thrive on spin-friendly pitches with guile and precision.
He remains one of Sri Lanka’s greatest ever fast bowlers, finishing his career with 355 Test wickets.
4. Trent Boult (New Zealand) – 50 wickets in 15 Tests
A master of swing bowling, especially with the new ball, Trent Boult reached 50 Test wickets in his 15th match in 2014. His control, left-arm angle, and ability to move the ball both ways made him one of New Zealand’s most reliable performers.
Boult formed a potent partnership with Tim Southee, and his efforts were central to New Zealand’s rise in world cricket during the 2010s. Now retired from Test cricket Boult is a mainstay of the franchise circuit where his expertise are very much in demand.
3. Mitchell Starc (Australia) – 50 wickets in 13 Tests
Another Australian with express pace and a penchant for reverse swing, Mitchell Starc hit the 50-wicket mark in his 13th Test, doing so in 2015.
Starc’s left-arm angle, coupled with his ability to swing the old ball at high speed, has made him a constant threat in all conditions. As of 2025, he remains a vital cog in the Australia pace attack, with over 300 wickets to his name.
2. Marco Jansen (South Africa) – 50 wickets in 13 Tests
The newest entrant on this list, South Africa’s Marco Jansen, reached 50 Test wickets in just 13 matches — a milestone he achieved in 2024. Standing at over two metres tall, Jansen generates steep bounce and awkward angles that have troubled batters across the world.
His best performance to date came against Sri Lanka at Kingsmead in November 2024, where he took a career-best 7 for 13. Still only 24, Jansen looks poised to be a mainstay of the Proteas’ attack for years to come.
1. Mitchell Johnson (Australia) – 50 wickets in 12 Tests
Before Mitchell Johnson terrorised England in the 2013-14 Ashes, he had already made his mark in the Test arena. The Australian quick reached the 50-wicket mark in just his 12th Test in 2009.
His raw pace, slingy action, and aggressive intent made him one of the most intimidating bowlers of his era. Johnson would go on to claim 313 Test wickets in 73 matches.
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