Achieving 100 wickets in Test cricket is a defining moment for any bowler, but doing it in record time sets legends apart. From the late 19th century to the modern era, some bowlers have dominated batsmen so effectively that they became the fastest to 100 Test wickets, leaving an indelible mark on cricket history.
This list of the top 10 fastest 100 wickets in Test cricket features iconic names like GA Lohmann, CTB Turner, SF Barnes, and R Ashwin, who combined skill, strategy, and sheer determination to reach this milestone in fewer matches. Their performances not only reflect personal brilliance but also the evolution of bowling across different eras, grounds, and playing conditions.
Complete List Of fastest 100 wickets in Test
Some bowlers rise above the rest by achieving 100 Test wickets faster than anyone else. This complete list of fastest 100 wickets in Test celebrates these extraordinary performers, featuring details like matches played, opponents, and grounds, giving cricket fans a clear picture of their record-breaking journeys.
| Player | Time to 100 Wickets | Matches | Test # |
| GA Lohmann (ENG) | 9y 241d | 16 | 48 |
| CTB Turner (AUS) | 8y 4d | 17 | 45 |
| SF Barnes (ENG) | 10y 72d | 17 | 120 |
| CV Grimmett (AUS) | 5y 323d | 17 | 203 |
| Yasir Shah (PAK) | 1y 357d | 17 | 2224 |
| NGRP Jayasuriya (SL) | 2y 142d | 17 | 2563 |
| R Ashwin (IND) | 2y 8d | 18 | 2102 |
| C Blythe (ENG) | 8y 88d | 19 | 110 |
| AL Valentine (WI) | 3y 261d | 19 | 384 |
| AME Roberts (WI) | 2y 138d | 19 | 780 |
#1. George Lohmann
GA Lohmann (ENG) made history by becoming the fastest 100 wickets in test, achieving it in only 16 matches. He reached this milestone over a period of 9 years and 241 days from his debut. Known for his incredible accuracy, subtle variations in pace, and smart use of seam movement, Lohmann was extremely difficult for batsmen to score off.
He played most of his matches against strong teams like South Africa and consistently delivered match-winning performances. His record-setting achievement set a high standard for fast bowlers and remains one of the most remarkable feats in the early days of Test cricket.
#2. Charlie Turner
CTB Turner was one of Australia’s finest fast bowlers in the late 19th century. He achieved 100 Test wickets in just 17 matches, showcasing his pace, accuracy, and ability to swing the ball both ways.
Turner played many of his matches against strong opposition like England and was known for his consistency and clever use of variations to trouble even the best batsmen. His performances helped Australia dominate matches, and he is remembered as one of the great early figures in Test cricket history.
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#3. Sydney Barnes
SF Barnes was one of England’s legendary bowlers in the early 20th century. He reached 100 Test wickets in just 17 matches, showing exceptional skill and consistency.
Known for his ability to swing the ball both ways and bowl long, challenging spells, Barnes troubled batsmen across all conditions. Playing against strong teams like Australia, he delivered match-winning performances that made him one of the most respected bowlers of his era.
#4. Clarrie Grimmett
CV Grimmett achieved 100 Test wickets in only 17 matches, becoming one of Australia’s fastest bowlers to this milestone. He was famous for his consistent spin, accurate bowling, and ability to trouble even the best batsmen. His performances made him one of the greatest leg-spinners of his era.
#5. Yasir Shah
Yasir Shah is a masterful leg-spinner from Pakistan who reached 100 Test wickets in just 17 matches. His sharp turning deliveries and smart variations make him a tough challenge for any batsman. Yasir’s consistent wicket-taking ability has made him one of the most respected bowlers in modern Test cricket.
#6. Prabath Jayasuriya
Prabath Jayasuriya is one of Sri Lanka’s top bowlers and reached 100 Test wickets in just 17 matches. He achieved this milestone in only 2 years and 142 days from his debut, making him one of the fastest in modern cricket.
Jayasuriya’s sharp left-arm spin, accuracy, and ability to take wickets consistently have troubled batsmen across different pitches. He achieved this feat in Test #2563 against South Africa in Durban.
#7. Ravichandran Ashwin
Ravichandran Ashwin reached 100 Test wickets in just 18 matches, only 2 years and 8 days after his debut. Playing in Test #2102 against the West Indies at Wankhede, he used his off-spin and variations to great effect, quickly establishing himself as one of India’s key bowlers in Test cricket.
#8. Colin Blythe
C Blythe reached 100 Test wickets in 19 matches, 8 years and 88 days after his debut. Playing in Test #110 against South Africa at Cape Town, he used his spin and accuracy to consistently take wickets, becoming one of England’s most respected bowlers of the early 1900s.
#9. Alf Valentine
AL Valentine was one of the West Indies’ finest left-arm spinners. He reached 100 Test wickets in 19 matches, taking 3 years and 261 days from his debut.
Known for his sharp spin and consistent bowling, Valentine troubled batsmen across different conditions. He achieved this milestone in Test #384 against England at Georgetown, helping West Indies dominate matches during his era.
#10. Andy Roberts
Andy Roberts reached 100 Test wickets in 19 matches, 2 years and 138 days after making his debut. Playing in Test #780 against England at Leeds, his pace, bounce, and sharp bowling made him a constant threat to batsmen, and he became one of West Indies’ legendary fast bowlers.
Final Words
The journey to 100 Test wickets is challenging, and the players who reached it fastest have shown exceptional talent and consistency. Legends like R Ashwin, Andy Roberts, and CV Grimmett proved that determination and skill can create history. The fastest to 100 Test wickets have not only made records but also defined the art of bowling across different eras.
FAQs
Q1: Who holds the record for the fastest 100 wickets in Test cricket?
A1: GA Lohmann of England holds the record, reaching 100 wickets in just 16 matches.
Q2: Who is the fastest Indian to reach 100 Test wickets?
A2: Ravichandran Ashwin is the fastest Indian, achieving the milestone in 18 matches.
Q3: How many matches does it usually take for top bowlers to reach 100 Test wickets?
A3: Most top bowlers take around 20–25 matches, but record-holders like GA Lohmann and CTB Turner did it in under 20 matches.
Q4: Which modern bowlers are among the fastest to 100 Test wickets?
A4: Modern bowlers like Ravichandran Ashwin, Yasir Shah, and Prabath Jayasuriya are among the fastest to reach 100 Test wickets.
Q5: Why is reaching 100 wickets in fewer matches significant?
A5: Achieving 100 wickets quickly highlights a bowler’s skill, consistency, and ability to dominate opposition batsmen early in their career.
