Most Wickets for South Africa in Tests: Legends of the Long Format
Test cricket is where heroes are forged — and South Africa has long been home to some of the world’s fiercest bowlers. From Dale Steyn’s fiery spells to Shaun Pollock’s unerring control, these players have dominated batsmen across eras.
Here’s a tribute to the bowlers who etched their names in South Africa’s cricketing history books.
🥇 Dale Steyn – 439 wickets
No South African bowler has been more feared than Steyn. With blistering pace and deadly reverse swing, he claimed 439 wickets at a brutal strike rate of 42.38. A game-changer in every sense.
🥈 Shaun Pollock – 421 wickets
The definition of control and class, Pollock’s tight lines and smart bowling earned him 421 wickets. His economy rate of 2.39 is unmatched among South Africa’s leading pacers.
🥉 Makhaya Ntini – 390 wickets
A true pioneer and crowd favorite, Ntini’s stamina and aggression brought him 390 wickets and immense national pride.
⭐ Kagiso Rabada – 332 wickets*
Rabada, still active, has the best strike rate of them all. At just 71 Tests, his 332 wickets at an average of 21.82 make him a modern-day great — and possibly a future record-holder.
Allan Donald – 330 wickets
"White Lightning" led South Africa’s bowling resurgence post-isolation. Donald’s pace and precision earned him 330 wickets and countless match-winning spells.
Morne Morkel – 309 wickets
At 6'5", Morkel generated awkward bounce and consistent pace. A loyal servant of the team who played a key role in a golden era.
Jacques Kallis – 291 wickets
Kallis wasn’t just a batting colossus; he also chipped in with 291 wickets, making him one of the game's greatest all-rounders.
Vernon Philander – 224 wickets
A master of seam and swing, Philander struck early and often — especially at home. His average (22.32) rivals even the very best.
Keshav Maharaj – 199 wickets*
South Africa’s leading modern spinner, Maharaj combines control with turn. His 9-wicket haul remains a career highlight.
Hugh Tayfield – 170 wickets
One of the great off-spinners of his era, Tayfield’s classical style and control earned him a place in South Africa’s elite.
📊 Top 10 South African Wicket-Takers in Test Cricket
| Rank | Player | Span | Matches | Wickets | Best Bowling | Average | Economy | Strike Rate | 5-fors | 10-fors |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1️⃣ | Dale Steyn | 2004–2019 | 93 | 439 | 7/51 | 22.95 | 3.24 | 42.38 | 26 | 5 |
| 2️⃣ | Shaun Pollock | 1995–2008 | 108 | 421 | 7/87 | 23.11 | 2.39 | 57.84 | 16 | 1 |
| 3️⃣ | Makhaya Ntini | 1998–2009 | 101 | 390 | 7/37 | 28.82 | 3.23 | 53.42 | 18 | 4 |
| 4️⃣ | Kagiso Rabada* | 2015–2025 | 71* | 332 | 7/112 | 21.82 | 3.34 | 39.13 | 17 | 4 |
| 5️⃣ | Allan Donald | 1992–2002 | 72 | 330 | 8/71 | 22.25 | 2.83 | 47.02 | 20 | 3 |
| 6️⃣ | Morne Morkel | 2006–2018 | 86 | 309 | 6/23 | 27.66 | 3.10 | 53.39 | 8 | – |
| 7️⃣ | Jacques Kallis | 1995–2013 | 165 | 291 | 6/54 | 32.63 | 2.82 | 69.31 | 5 | – |
| 8️⃣ | Vernon Philander | 2011–2020 | 64 | 224 | 6/21 | 22.32 | 2.63 | 50.85 | 13 | 2 |
| 9️⃣ | Keshav Maharaj* | 2016–2025 | 58* | 199 | 9/129 | 29.63 | 3.10 | 57.21 | 11 | 1 |
| 🔟 | Hugh Tayfield | 1949–1960 | 37 | 170 | 9/113 | 25.91 | 1.94 | 79.81 | 14 | 2 |
*Stats current as of June 2025. Active players marked with an asterisk.
👀 What’s Next?
With Kagiso Rabada and Keshav Maharaj still active, South Africa’s wicket-taking charts are far from static. Will Rabada become South Africa’s greatest ever? Can Maharaj break the 200-wicket mark as a spinner in a pace-dominated era?
Only time will tell — but history is already being written.
Last updated on: June 12, 2025