Update: Most Five Wicket Hauls as a Captain in Test Cricket

The record for the most five-wicket hauls by a captain in Test cricket highlights the exceptional performances of several legendary cricketers. Here are the top players in this category:

5 Wicket Hauls as Captains in Test:

1. Imran Khan (Pakistan): Imran Khan holds the record for the most five-wicket hauls by a captain in men’s Test cricket. During his tenure as captain of Pakistan from 1982 to 1992, Imran Khan achieved 12 five-wicket hauls in Test matches—more than any other captain in the history of the format. He led Pakistan in 48 Tests as captain during this period. Imran Khan’s leadership and bowling prowess made him a legendary figure in cricket, and his record for most five-wicket hauls as a Test captain is a testament to his impact on the game.
2. Richie Benaud: Richie Benaud holds the distinction of having the second most five-wicket hauls as a captain in men’s Test cricket. During his captaincy of Australia from 1958 to 1963, he took nine five-wicket hauls in 28 Tests as captain, a remarkable achievement given the fewer matches he played in that role compared to others. Benaud played 63 Test matches, taking 248 wickets at an average of 27.03, including 16 five-wicket hauls in his entire career. He was a leg-spinner and a highly influential player of his era, leading Australia to never lose a series under his captaincy.
3. Pat Cummins: Pat Cummins ranks third for the most five-wicket hauls as a captain in men’s Test cricket. He has taken 14 five-wicket hauls in Test matches overall, with nine of those coming while captaining Australia. This places him behind only two other captains in this elite list. Cummins recently made history by becoming the first captain to take a five-wicket haul in an ICC tournament final during the 2025 World Test Championship final at Lord’s, where he took 6 wickets for 28 runs against South Africa. He also surpassed Indian legend Bishan Singh Bedi for the most five-wicket hauls as a Test captain, solidifying his position among the top captains in this regard. Additionally, Cummins holds the record for the best bowling figures by a captain at Lord’s and is one of the few captains with multiple five-wicket hauls in ICC knockout matches.
4. Bishan Singh Bedi: Bishan Singh Bedi ranks fourth for the most five-wicket hauls as captain in men’s Test cricket. During his tenure as India’s Test captain from 1975 to 1979, Bedi led the team in 22 matches and took eight five-wicket hauls in those games. Bedi’s overall Test career was distinguished, with 266 wickets and 14 five-wicket hauls, but specifically as captain, his eight five-wicket innings underline his impact and consistency as a leader and bowler.
5. Jason Holder: Jason Holder holds the distinction of being fifth on the all-time list for most five-wicket hauls as captain in men’s Test cricket, with a total of 7 five-wicket hauls during his tenure as West Indies skipperHolder’s performances as captain have been instrumental for the West Indies, highlighted by standout spells such as his career-best 6-42 against England in Southampton in 2020. His consistency and leadership with the ball have cemented his place in Test cricket history as one of the most successful bowling captains.

Also Read: Most wickets against India at home in Tests

Cummins’ latest feat not only cements his legacy as one of the game’s premier fast bowlers and leaders but also inspires a new generation of cricket fans and players alike. With the records tumbling and history being made, the stage is set for more thrilling chapters in the story of Test cricket’s greatest captains.

Details of Performers

These records illustrate the significant impact that these captains have had on their teams through their exceptional bowling performances in Test cricket.