Bowlers who are the fastest to take 200 test wickets
Test format of cricket is known as the most classical version of the game and for rightful reasons. Whenever a test series kicks off both batsman as well as bowlers get huge advantages of the game they get to play. Usually test matches are called to be a slower version of cricket marginally partial towards the batters. However in reality bowlers also get plenty of chances to grab dozens of wickets during a test series. In fact some of the best cricket bowlers keep waiting for the opportunity to play an elongated test series so they could grab a handful of wickets. Bowlers like Dale Steyn, James Anderson and Stuart Broad prefer the test format over limited overs game for the same reason. Besides getting good number of wickets the race to reach the landmarks keeps going.
The first landmark in a bowler’s career is to reach the 100 test wickets that too in fewest matches. Moreover with the home advantage factor no a day, bowlers take wickets on a much rapid pace. 100 wickets and then fastest to take 200 test wickets as well, the race keeps going. Recently Indian all-rounder Ravichandran Ashwin became the second fastest to take 200 test wickets. India, with their home test season already begun, is currently playing New Zealand. The first test between the two sides is in decisive moments with the hosts clearly on a winning node. A victory against New Zealand would certainly take India closer to regain the no. 1 test team rank. However before that Ashwin has claimed his individual feat.
The no. 1 all-rounder in ICC test rankings took only 36 test matches to reach his 200 wickets. The Indian spinner overtook Denis Lilly and Waqar Younis, two of the fastest bowlers in the fastest to take 200 test wickets list. No. 1 spot however still is under the possession of CV Grimmett- the veteran Aussie bowler who did the job back in 1936.
Bowlers who are the fastest to take 200 test wickets
| Player | Opposition | Ground | Match Date | Debut | Time | Mat |
| CV Grimmett (AUS) | v South Africa | Johannesburg | 15 Feb 1936 | 27 Feb 1925 | 10y 353d | 36 |
| R Ashwin (IND) | v New Zealand | Kanpur | 22 Sep 2016 | 6 Nov 2011 | 4y 321d | 37 |
| DK Lillee (AUS) | v England | Melbourne | 1 Feb 1980 | 29 Jan 1971 | 9y 3d | 38 |
| Waqar Younis (PAK) | v New Zealand | Christchurch | 8 Dec 1995 | 15 Nov 1989 | 6y 23d | 38 |
| DW Steyn (SA) | v West Indies | Port of Spain | 10 Jun 2010 | 17 Dec 2004 | 5y 175d | 39 |
| IT Botham (ENG) | v Australia | The Oval | 27 Aug 1981 | 28 Jul 1977 | 4y 30d | 41 |
| SCG MacGill (AUS) | v Sri Lanka | Brisbane | 8 Nov 2007 | 30 Jan 1998 | 9y 282d | 41 |
| MD Marshall (WI) | v England | Port of Spain | 7 Mar 1986 | 15 Dec 1978 | 7y 82d | 42 |
| SK Warne (AUS) | v Sri Lanka | Perth | 8 Dec 1995 | 2 Jan 1992 | 3y 340d | 42 |
| AA Donald (SA) | v Sri Lanka | Centurion | 27 Mar 1998 | 18 Apr 1992 | 5y 343d | 42 |
Bowlers who are the fastest to take 200 test wickets
- CV Grimmett
- R Ashwin
- DK Lillee
- Waqar Younis
- DW Steyn
- IT Botham
- SCG MacGill
- MD Marshall
- SK Warne
- AA Donald