Spin bowling is a true art. Whether leg spin or off-spin, right arm or left arm, spin bowlers bring something different to the wicket. And often bamboozle batsmen in the process. But which spinners have represented England with distinction down the years? And who has taken the most wickets in the whites of England? Let’s take a look at the top five English spinners in the all-time Test cricket stakes.
5. Monty Panesar
50 tests. 167 wickets. 34.71 bowling average.
Monty has a special place in the hearts of many England cricket fans for his passion, joyous celebrations and world-class left-arm spin. And at number five on our list, his record in Test cricket really does speak for itself.
Panesar brought spin bowling back to the mainstream when he made his England Test debut in 2006, and was hailed as the best in the world at his peak. He was exactly what England needed at the time, although his batting did leave a little to be desired.
Across his 167 Test wickets, he challenged some of the most famous cricketers of all time. In fact, his first Test wicket was legendary Indian batsman Sachin Tendulkar. While he played a key part in the 2012 series win in India, perhaps his most famous moment as an England cricketer was with his bat in the Cardiff Great Escape in the first Ashes Test in Cardiff in 2009.
4. Tony Lock
49 Tests. 174 wickets. 25.58 bowling average.
Another left-arm spinner in the top five is Tony Lock. During the 1950s and 1960s he formed a legendary spinning partnership with Jim Laker. His style was more aggressive compared to other slower-paced spinners, making him the perfect foil for Laker.
Laker often carries legendary status, but Lock was just as important to the England test side. And his total of 174 wickets in 49 Tests is testament to that. He reinvented his action twice during his career to be able to continue at both county and international level.
Unfortunately, Lock is often remembered for denying Laker the chance to claim all 20 Australian wickets in 1956. But his England career and stats give him legendary status in our book.
3. Jim Laker
46 Tests. 193 wickets. 21.24 bowling average.
The other half of the iconic partnership, Jim Laker, was often the one to steal the headlines. His record of 193 wickets in 46 tests is an incredible achievement for any kind of bowler in any decade.
Laker was known for his unpredictability. He would drastically alter the flight, spin and pace of his deliveries. On his day on English wickets, he was almost unstoppable. And none more so than his unbelievable 19-wicket haul against Australia at Old Trafford in 1956.
Many have said he was the greatest spinner of all time. Not just for England. And it’s hard to disagree.
2. Graeme Swann
60 tests. 255 wickets. 29.96 bowling average.
Swanny has long been a favourite with England cricket fans, for his style, panache and performances against the Aussies in 2010/11 – where he played a vital role in England’s 3/1 series win. He went on to become one of the finest spin bowlers of his generation, with his stats more than backing it up.
Having made his Test debut in 2008, Swann served his country well for around five years. And no one can argue with his record of 255 wickets in 60 tests. Impressively, he averages around four wickets per test, which is a fantastic record for a spinner. A bowling average of 29.96 is not to be sniffed at either.
1. Derek Underwood
86 Tests. 297 wickets. 25.83 bowling average.
The king of English spinners, Derek Underwood, sits in first place on our list. Underwood played for England over a long career, lasting from 1966 to 1982. His legendary left-arm off-spin and his record number of wickets for an English spinner put him in the ICC Cricket Hall of Fame, finishing his career on 297 wickets in 86 Tests.
While he was adept on wickets across the world, Underwood loved to torment batsmen on the damper English wickets. Standout moments include the Ashes Test against Australia in 1968 at the Oval, where he powered through his overs to confirm victory for England with just six minutes to spare in a game affected by rain.
His standout figures were his triumphant 8/51 against Pakistan at Lord’s in 1974.
Bet on cricket with Grosvenor Sport
Whether you’re backing the current crop of England Test spinners or simply want to bet on the upcoming England Test series, you’ll find all your essential cricket betting markets at Grosvenor Sport. Simply sign up to bet on cricket with us. And don’t forget to claim your welcome bonus either.