Anderson’s record against Pakistan over more than a decade is especially impressive for its consistency. The England fast bowler featured heavily in some memorable series between the two sides and was a threat in all conditions.
Meanwhile, Abdul Qadir was Pakistan’s best leg-spinner. He also ended with 82 wickets against England, achieving the feat in fewer games than Anderson. His mastery in varying his pace made him one of the most dangerous bowlers of his generation.
Stuart Broad is third on the list with 67 wickets. Broad was a key part of England’s bowling attack alongside Anderson in the 2010s and a major contributor in several contests against Pakistan.
Pakistan’s famed pace-bowling tradition is also well represented. Wasim Akram, Waqar Younis, and Imran Khan are all leading wicket-takers. The likes of Intikhab Alam and Yasir Shah also played their part in Pakistan's incredible history of producing match-winning bowlers.
England’s top 10 also includes Ian Botham and Chris Woakes, underlining the role of all-rounders and pace bowlers through the generations.
The list is a pointer to the quality of the England-Pakistan Test rivalry. It has players from different eras, bowling styles, and generations, but one thing is common to them all: their ability to make a consistent impact against a strong opponent.
Rank | Player | Country | Wickets |
1 | James Anderson | England | 82 |
1 | Abdul Qadir | Pakistan | 82 |
3 | Stuart Broad | England | 67 |
4 | Wasim Akram | Pakistan | 57 |
5 | Waqar Younis | Pakistan | 50 |
6 | Intikhab Alam | Pakistan | 49 |
7 | Imran Khan | Pakistan | 47 |
8 | Yasir Shah | Pakistan | 45 |
9 | Ian Botham | England | 40 |
10 | Chris Woakes | England | 38 |
