The Cricketing World as well as the fans were shell-shocked when they learned that legendary cricketer Shane Warne suddenly passed away in March 2022 while on a Holiday in Thailand due to a heart attack. The late legend was part of some memorable wins for the national side. The leg spinner broke many records and was a match-winner on his day. Warne’s ability to perform brilliantly with the ball in hand (sometimes with the bat) under pressure made him a special addition to the Australian lineup.
He has some wonderful or, one may say, insane records in Test cricket that one can hardly imagine. Warne could win a Test match single-handedly, and one can’t deny his ability to perform against the big guns of Test cricket. Whether he played in Australia or any other country, including the subcontinent conditions, Warne’s caliber as one of the greatest match winners was unmatched. In this piece, we take a look at 10 such insane records held by the great man in Test Cricket.
#1 Highest Wicket-taker in Test for Australia
Warne’s biggest strength was his ability to make a strong comeback against any big side. Even though he struggled with form or injury, his gutsy attitude always helped him during tough situations, which helped him take 708 wickets in 145 Tests. His consistency in the longer formats was unimaginable during that time.
#2 First Bowler to pick 600 Test Wickets
The legendary leg-spinner was in destructive form during that period. Warne dominated the best batting lineups, and this series was no different. Although Australia lost, the Ashes series England’s batters were troubled by Warne in the entire series with his flight, turn, and googlies.
He took the wicket of England opener Marcus Trescothick at Old Trafford, England, to register his 500th Test wicket. Trescothick tried to sweep the ball but was caught by wicketkeeper Adam Gilchrist.
#3 First Bowler to pick 700 Test Wickets
Warne showcased tremendous consistency with his length during those years, and the 2006-07 Ashes series was just another example. This time the leg-spinner took the wicket of Andrew Strauss to register his 700th Test wicket. Warne flighted the ball beautifully.
Strauss was puzzled as the left-hander tried to play across the line and was clean-bowled. The Melbourne Cricket Ground (MCG) wicket aided the spinners. Warne registered a five-wicket haul in that innings.
#4 Most Wickets in Ashes (195 Wickets in 36 Tests)
Warne was tough; he always stood firm and delivered against the toughest outfits. The Ashes series is one such example where the leg spinner performed brilliantly.
The legendary spinner has taken the highest number of wickets in the history of the Ashes series by claiming 195 wickets in 36 Tests, as no other bowler has taken so many wickets in the history of this memorable series. And, you can check the top 10 here to understand how Warne heads a list of champion bowlers.
#5 Highest Wickets in the first Ashes Series (34 wickets in 6 Tests)
When it comes to the record of highest wickets in the very first Ashes Test, Warne is at the top. The spin magician took 34 wickets in 6 Tests with the best bowling figures of 5/82. And in 2005 edition, Warne managed to better his Ashes record with 40 wickets in the tournament, thereby positioning himself in the top ten Aussie and English bowlers with most wickets in a single Ashes tournament.
Warne was a menace for the English batters in that entire series with his turn and clever line, while his magical delivery to clean bowl Mike Gatting is one of those memorable moments which can’t be forgotten.
#6 Most Wickets in a Calendar Year (96 wickets in 15 Tests in 2005)
Warne was at his destructive best in his Test career in 2005. The leg spinner showcased consistency and dominated the best batters in that particular calendar year. The Victoria born dominated even on batting wickets with his variations, drift, and flippers. He took 96 wickets in 15 Tests in 2005 at an average of 22.02. Find the top 5 of this record here.
#7 Six 5-Wicket Hauls in 2005
Undoubtedly, Warne was a consistent performer for Australia. Still, his ability to adapt to different conditions and wickets was outstanding, so that he could take wickets even on subcontinent wickets.
He could read the wickets well, which made him a top performer. He took five-wicket hauls six times in 2005, a big achievement. He took five-wicket hauls in subcontinent conditions which hardly any bowler can repeat in the future.
#8 Two 10-Wicket Hauls in 2005
Warne also registered two 10-wicket hauls in 2005 as he was at the top of his game. The leg spinner had a plan against every top batter, which was visible from how he challenged some world-class batters during that period. He was the go-to man for Ricky Ponting, who always supported his suggestions to make the team world beaters during the 2000s.
You can find where Warne ranks among the top bowlers with most 5-wicket hauls and 10-wicket hauls in Test cricket, here.
#9 37 5-Wicket Hauls in Career
Warne will be remembered as one of the greatest spinners ever. The champion spinner has single-handedly won Test matches for his side, taking 37 five-wicket hauls in his Test career.
Whether it was his googlies, leg breaks, flippers, or faster ones, Warne always brought new variations with effectiveness against every batter, thus making him one of the best in the longer formats.
Read: Difference between a Googly and a Flipper
#10 3154 Runs in 145 Test matches without a Century
The leg spinner had this unique record against his name: he scored 3154 runs in 145 Tests without scoring a century but had registered 12 half-centuries. Warne was a handy batter lower down the order in Tests, but the right-hander couldn’t score a century in his Test career.
Read: Elite list of Players with 2500 Runs and 250 Wickets in Tests
