Australian captain Pat Cummins made history by taking a five-wicket haul in the ICC World Test Championship final against South Africa at Lord's. He went past India's Bishan Singh Bedi in an all-time list of captains with most five-fers in Test cricket history. Cummins ran through the South African batting unit, leading Australia's fightback after they were bundled out for 212 in the first innings.

Also Read: Most Wickets in ICC Tournament Finals

In this article we will be discussing about the most 5-wicket hauls by a captain in Test cricket.

Most 5-wicket hauls by a captain in Tests

5. Jason Holder (West Indies) | 7 Times

Former Windies captain Jason Holder holds the fifth spot in this list. Holder picked up a 5-wicket haul seven times as a captain in Test cricket. Overall with the ball, Holder has 162 scalps at 30.27. He has eight five-wicket hauls to show besides a solitary match 10-fer. He claimed 1/39 across 17 overs in the first innings.

4. Bishan Singh Bedi (India) | 8 Times

Former Indian left-arm spinner, late Bishan Singh Bedi, is fourth on this list. Bishan Singh Bedi played 67 Tests for India and picked up 266 wickets at an average of 28.71 with 14 five-wicket hauls. When he retired, he was India's leading wicket-taker in the longest format.

He captained India in 22 Tests between 1975 and 1979, taking over from the great Mansur Ali Khan Pataudi. During his time as Test captain, Bishan Singh Bedi bagged as many as eight five-wicket hauls.

3. Richie Benaud (Australia) | 9 Times

Former Australian all-rounder, late Richie Benaud, is second on this list. The legendary cricketer was among the most influential players of his time back in the day. From 1958 to 1963, he led Australia in 28 Tests. Australia dominated under his leadership and never lost a single series.

As Test captain, Richie Benaud picked up nine five-wicket hauls and is above Pat Cummins having played fewer Tests. Benaud represented Australia in 63 Tests in his career and bagged 248 wickets at an average of 27.03 with 16 five-wicket hauls overall.

2. Pat Cummins (Australia) | 9* Times

Current Australian Test skipper Pat Cummins, who previously had eight five-wicket hauls to his name as captain in the longest format, overtook Bishan Singh Bedi to move to number three on this elite list with his five-fer against South Africa in the 2025 WTC final.

Cummins now has nine five-wicket hauls as Test captain in his career. The Australian quick has played 67 Tests and has 294 wickets at an average of 22.43 with 13 five-wicket hauls so far (67 being the ongoing 2025 WTC final). He also broke several records with his stunning performance against South Africa.

Also Read: Rabada passes Donald: Most Test wickets for South Africa

1. Imran Khan (Pakistan) | 12 Times

Former Pakistan captain and all-rounder Imran Khan tops the list of most 5-wicket hauls by a captain in Tests. From 1982-1992, Imran Khan led Pakistan in 48 Test matches. He is the only captain to take 5-wicket hauls in more than 10 times in Test cricket.

As Test captain, the former all-rounder bagged 12 five-wicket hauls, which is the most by any bowler to date. Overall, Imran Khan played 88 Tests in his international career and picked up 362 wickets at an average of 22.81 with 23 five-wicket hauls. Imran has also taken 10 or more wickets in 4 matches in his Test career, which is the most taken by any captain in this format.

One is called the God of Cricket, and the other is perhaps the greatest test batter of his generation. Both Sachin Tendulkar and Joe Root have contributed to test cricket in their own way.

Since Root started his incredible run with the bat in 2021, everyone started the Joe Root vs Sachin Tendulkar comparison in test cricket. Some even suggested that the former English captain might even break Sachin Tendulkar's test record as well. 

Before India take on England in another mouthwatering five-test match series, we will try to analyse whose test career is better. Is it Joe Root or Sachin Tendulkar? Who is better in test cricket? 

Sachin Tendulkar in test cricket - in numbers

Even before we get into comparing the players, we need to get the numbers right. 

Sachin, the highest run-getter in test and international cricket, scored 15921 test runs in a record 200 test matches. The Indian legend averaged 53.78 and also scored 51 test tons, which is also a record. 

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Debuted at the age of 16, soon, Sachin soon became the then second youngest ever test centurion at the age of 17 years 107 days old. Sachin created that record when he smashed an unbeaten 119 against England in Manchester in 1990. 

He is still the youngest Indian to score an international ton. 

Other records Sachin has in his test career: 

• Most fours in test cricket (2058)
• Most fifties in test cricket (119)
• Fastest to 10000, 13000, 14000, 15000 test runs
• The only batter to surpass the mark of 14000 and 15000 test runs
• 3rd most test innings without a duck (91)
• 2nd most test hundreds in a calendar year (7 in 2010)

Read Also | The Most Memorable Test Centuries in Cricket History

Joe Root in test cricket - in numbers

Part of the modern fav-four in cricket, Joe Root debuted in 2012 against India and announced himself with a gritty 73 from 229 balls.

In his sixth test, he scored his first test hundred against New Zealand and then two tests later, he smashed a 180 against the Aussies at Lord's. 

With 13006, he is the fifth-highest run scorer in test cricket history. He is the highest international and test scorer for England. Moreover, he is also the batter with the most test tons and runs among active batters in world cricket. 

Root till now has played only 153 test matches and has a batting average of 50.80. Since the start of 2022, Root has scored 13 test tons, scoring 3475 runs at an average of 53.46. He is also the highest run scorer in World Test Championship history. 

Other records Root has in his test career:

• 3rd most test runs in a calendar year (1708, in 2021)
• 5th most test hundreds (36)
• 6th most test hundreds in a calendar year (6 in 2021)
• Most fifties in consecutive test matches (12)
• 4th most test fifties (101)

Root vs Sachin in Test Cricket: Comparison

Sachin currently has a lead over Joe Root in every aspect of numbers in test cricket. The master blaster has better records than Root in test cricket.

But to compare them, we will have to compare them with the current number of matches Root has played so far.

Sachin after 153 test matches 

Runs: 12152

Innings: 250

Average: 54.25

100s: 39

50s: 51

Highest: 248*

Sachin in wins after 153 tests: 

Won: 48 tests

Runs: 4011

Average: 62.67

100s: 13

50s: 16

Root after 153 test matches

Runs: 13006

Innings: 279

Average: 50.80

100s: 36

50s: 65

Highest: 262

Root in wins after 153 test matches:

Wins: 70 tests

Runs: 6999

Average: 64.21

100s: 25

50s: 28

So, if we compare Sachin's record to Joe Root's after 153 test matches, we can see that Root is leading the chart with more runs and more fifties. But, Sachin has a better batting average, more hundreds. 

However, in 153 test matches, Root won 70 test matches for England while Sachin had only won 48 test matches as a player. Although their batting averages in winning causes are nearly the same, Root has scored nearly 3000 more test runs on winning occasions for England. 

Bonus: Did you know who was ahead after 145 test matches each for Sachin and Root? 

Can Root catch Sachin in test cricket?

Although Joe Root has scored the most test runs if we compare their stats after 153 test matches, Sachin played nearly five years after playing his 153rd test match in 2008. 

Not only that, in those next 47 test matches he played for India, he scored 3769 runs at an average of 52.34 with 12 tons.

Root is currently 34, and can stretch his career for at least 4-5 years if he can stay fit. With the number of test matches England play every season, there is a certain possibility that Root can end up playing more than 200 test matches in his career. 

Even if he plays 47 more test matches and bats at least 75 innings, he would need 2915 test runs at an average of 38.87. 

With the current form Joe Root is in, this is quite possible for him to get. But, will he be able to keep the form like Sachin had done at the age of 35 and after? That's the question the World Cricket will be eyeing. 

Playing test matches is one thing but to win test matches is a whole other ball game as only the best teams are able to win and get better as a test match side. During the 140+ years of test cricket there have been around 2500+ test matches that have been played by the various teams playing and these teams strive to beat the other team in this match and win the series as a result. Winning a test match is the ultimate satisfaction for a team even now. So, let’s look at the statistics of Most Test Wins by a Team since 2010.

Also Read: Most Sixes in International Cricket History | Top 25 Batters

Most Test Wins by a Team since 2010

5. New Zealand | 52

The number 5 team in this list is the New Zealand team which has won 52 test matches since 2010 out of a total of 122 test matches played till now. They have lost 46 matches which is not a good record to have and hopefully the win loss difference decreases and they have a total of drawn test matches of 24 and going forward it can be said that their record will improve.

4. South Africa | 66

South Africa have one of the most impressive records in the test cricket as in the 127 test matches they have played in from 2010-2025 , they have been able to win 66 test matches and they have lost 39 matches against good teams as well and they also have drawn 22 test matches. South Africa was barred from cricket as well for a number of years and they were reinstated in 1993 again and their journey hasn’t looked back since.

3. India | 80

After Australia, the third team with most test match wins is the Indian team with 80 test match wins since 2010 in a total of 156 matches. They have also lost 48 matches which is not a good sign as well as they have 28 drawn matches throughout their journey from 2010 and the hope is this record gets better with time and they win more matches than they lose.

2. Australia | 84

Australia have played a total of 157 test matches since 2010 and they have won 84 matches and also lost 48 matches as a side and some of the losses were memorable. And Australia have drawn 25 matches and drawn test matches can be very entertaining as well. Australia will play more test matches as they go along over the years and they will reach 100 test wins really soon as well.

Also Read: Most ICC Trophies by any men's team

1. England | 90

England is the test team with the most number of wins in test matches since 2010. They are the only team who have played over a 190 test matches and they have won 90 matches whereas they have also lost 70 test matches as well which shows they are beaten a lot of times as well and the number of drawn test matches by England are at 31 and as they play along they will win more rest matches as well as lose matches as well.

Recently the World Test Championship 2023-25 cycle ended. The final match of which was won by South Africa. South Africa was successful in winning its first ICC trophy after 27 years after defeating Australia. But amidst all this, former South African captain AB de Villiers has raised questions on the WTC format and has demanded several reforms from the International Cricket Council (ICC).

Also Read: Winners list of last 10 ICC Tournaments (men's)

De Villiers raised questions on the WTC format

AB de Villiers has strongly advocated making the World Test Championship schedule more fair and consistent for all Test playing nations. De Villiers, 41, has suggested a four-year cycle like the ODI World Cup, instead of the current two-year cycle, to ensure every team can compete against other Test-playing sides.

Speaking to BBC Sport, AB de Villiers expressed his disappointment. He said, “We’ve had some very disappointing and sad ends to a lot of campaigns, especially the World Cups, but now it’s time to start believing that we can do this more often,” 

“[This moment] won’t be lost. It was too big and too special for all South Africans – it was a Test match no one will ever forget. But yes, to a certain extent, something needs to be done.”

De Villiers advocates making WTC a balanced system

AB de Villiers further elaborated during this interaction, “I saw the schedule that came out for the next cycle of the WTC and there is an improvement, but I still feel there’s work that needs to be done there to just to get it as consistent as possible and as fair as possible for all for all Test-playing nations.”

“You want to get to that final feeling like you’ve played against all these nations,” De Villiers added. “Maybe a four-year cycle would be nice. We’ve done that in the past with one-day internationals, so why not in Test cricket? It would make sense and it would give the organisers just so much more time to get a really fair, well-balanced system out there.”

De Villiers believes a longer cycle will allow teams to play a sufficient number of matches, making a team's journey to the final more credible.

Also Read: Best figures in ICC WTC Final

South Africa played least number of Test matches in WTC 2023-25

De Villiers' comments come at a time when the Proteas have played the least number of Test matches (12) among the nine teams during the World Test Championship 2023-25 cycle. The number was a full 10 matches less than England's 22, while Australia, who face South Africa, played 19 matches during the World Test Championship 2023-25 cycle.

The BCCI has made a strategic last-minute addition to the India's Test squad for England tour (starts June 20, 2025) which will mark the beginning of Shubman Gill's captaincy era. It is now official that Harshit Rana called up to join India's Test squad for England series as backup.

He has not been officially added to the squad but has travelled to Leeds as an unofficial cover for the team. Check the full story below:

Harshit Rana's inclusion as a backup in India's Test squad against England

Harshit Rana's journey in England has taken a significant turn as he has been asked to stay with the senior Indian Test squad for the upcoming series. He was initially part of the India A team that toured England.

During this time, Rana played two unofficial test matches against England Lions where he contributed with the ball (took an important wicket) and bat (scored 16 runs).

He was also involved in an intra-squad practice match in Beckenham, providing him further opportunities to showcase his skills in front of the senior team.

Following these engagements, the team management have decided to extend his stay and include him as backup. "Please don't count him as an official member of the squad as yet,” a top BCCI official told Cricbuzz to confirm Rana's presence.

The potential reason behind the call-up:

India's pace attack features Jasprit Bumrah, Mohammed Siraj, Prasidh Krishna, Akash Deep, Arshdeep Singh, and Shardul Thakur.

Rana's inclusion (even as a backup) provides crucial depth and flexibility, and gives them diverse options to adapt to various pitch conditions throughout the demanding series.

In the history of Indian Test Cricket, reaching the 2000-run milestone has always been a matter of pride. While many have achieved this feat, only a few have done so with remarkable speed.

Currently, the record for the fastest Indians to score 2000 test runs is jointly held by Virender Sehwag and Rahul Dravid, both accomplishing it in 40 innings. However, a new name is on the verge of making history: Yashasvi Jaiswal, with 1798 runs from 36 innings, needs only 202 more runs.

If Jaiswal reaches this in 3 or fewer innings, potentially in the upcoming test series against England (starts on June 20, 2025), he will break the legendary record and reach on top!

Now, let's look at the elite list of players who previously set the standard by being the fastest Indians to reach 2000 test runs.

1. Rahul Dravid (40 innings)

Rahul Dravid, famously known as "The Wall" for his brilliant defensive technique and concentration in tests, reached 2000 test runs in just 40 innings. His ability to bat for longer periods and wearing down the opposition was a key aspect for India's Test success.

Read Also: Most successful Test captains from India

2. Virender Sehwag (40 innings)

Virender Sehwag, the aggressive opening batsman, matched Dravid's record by also reaching 2000 test runs in 40 innings. He was known for his fearless approach while batting at the top of the order.

He is also the only Indian to score 2 triple centuries in his test career.

3. Vijay Hazare (43 innings)

An icon of Indian cricket's early era, Vijay Hazare reached 2000 test runs in 43 innings. He was an incredible run-scorer in his time, known for his elegant batting and contributions.

His contributions mattered highly during a period when Indian cricket was finding its status on the international stage.

4. Gautam Gambhir (43 innings)

The bold left-handed opener, Gautam Gambhir, also reached 2000 test runs in 43 innings. He was a crucial part of India's top order in the late 2000s and early 2010s.

Gambhir was known for his mental toughness and ability to play long innings when required, with high determination and focus.

Read Also: India's 2011 World Cup winning squad: Where are they now?

5. Sunil Gavaskar (44 innings)

Sunil Gavaskar, one of the greatest opener in Tests cricket history, scored 2000 test runs in 44 innings. He was known for batting fearlessly and facing West Indian fast bowlers without modern protective gear.

Gavaskar was the first player to reach 10000-run mark in test cricket history, and also holds the 3rd place for most runs for India in tests.