Well, picking up crucial wickets in SENA countries (South Africa, England, New Zealand and Australia) is often hailed as one of the most decorated achievements for Asian bowlers, as these countries offer an unparalleled seam, bounce and swing, unlike the pitches in Asia which are dry and extremely spin-friendly.
Asian bowlers, especially spinners, are often seen struggling to adapt to the pitches of SENA countries and, therefore, picking up crucial wickets and leading their teams to phenomenal victories is often regarded as one of the most dominant feats for these bowlers. Have you ever wondered about the top-notch Asian bowlers who have fought against all the odds and annihilated the top batting lineups in SENA countries? Well, let’s find out.
In this article we will take a look at the top four Asian bowlers who have managed to pick up the highest number of test wickets in SENA countries.
Top 4 Asian Bowlers With Most Test Wickets in SENA Countries
Jasprit Bumrah – 150 Wickets
The Indian spearhead bowler Jasprit Bumrah, often regarded as one of the greatest bowlers of all-time in the history of international cricket, is at the first spot in our list of the top four sensational Asian bowlers who have picked up the most test wickets in SENA countries.
Prominently known for his unorthodox bowling action and deadly pace, India’s pace spearhead Jasprit Bumrah has picked up a total of 150 test wickets in SENA countries since he made his test debut in South Africa in 2018. Ever since, Bumrah has remained unbeaten and has delivered an unending streak of match-winning bowling spells across the toughest pitches of South Africa, England, New Zealand and Australia.
Wasim Akram – 146 Wickets
At the second spot in our list of the top four Asian bowlers who have managed to pick up the highest number of test wickets in SENA countries, we have the legendary former Pakistani cricketer and skipper of the Pakistan national cricket team, Wasim Akram, who is often hailed as one of the greatest bowlers of all-time.
The “Sultan of Swing”, Wasim Akram, made his test debut in New Zealand on 7 November 1985 during the Pakistan tour of New Zealand, 1985–86 and picked up a total of three wickets in his first test on SENA soil and never looked back. Throughout his international cricket career spanning over nineteen long years, Wasim Akram picked up a total of 146 wickets in the SENA countries, ranking him at the second spot in our list.
Anil Kumble – 141 Wickets
Next, at the third spot in our list of the top four Asian bowlers who have managed to pick up the highest number of test wickets in SENA countries, we have the legendary Indian former international cricketer and one of the greatest leg spinners in the history of Indian cricket, Anil Kumble.
Often popularly referred to as “Jumbo”, Anil Kumble made his test debut against South Africa at Kingsmead, Durban, on 13 November 1992 during India’s tour of South Africa 1992–93 and picked up a total of three wickets. Ever since, Anil Kumble has proved to be a nightmare on the SENA soil and picked up a total of 141 test wickets in the SENA countries, including 49 wickets against Australia, 36 wickets against England, 45 wickets against South Africa and 11 wickets against New Zealand.
Ishant Sharma – 130 Wickets
Finally, at the fourth spot in our list of the top four sensational Asian bowlers who have picked up the most test wickets in SENA countries, we have the iconic Indian cricketer Ishant Sharma, who has represented India in Tests, ODIs and T20Is from 2007 to 2021. Throughout his international cricketing career, Ishant Sharma proved to be one of the most reliable bowlers for the Indian national cricket team and one of the most deadly Asian bowlers in the test cricket format in SENA countries.
Ishant Sharma made his test debut against Australia at the iconic Adelaide Oval stadium on 24 January 2008 during India tour of Australia 2007–08 and picked up a total of two wickets for 128 runs. Ever since, Ishant Sharma has proved to be an unstoppable force and concluded his star-studded test career with a total of 130 wickets in SENA countries, including 31 wickets against Australia, 43 wickets against England, 41 wickets against South Africa and 15 wickets against New Zealand.
