Taking a wicket in a Test inning is the goal of every bowler. However, not everyone can achieve the goal easily because the batters are focused to play a long innings. The bowlers have to plan and execute to perfection because the red-ball game gives unlimited time to the batters.
There is no upper limit on the maximum number of overs a team can play. Hence, the batters prefer playing defensively instead of attacking from ball number one. Still, there have been a few bowlers, who have done a great job in this format of the game.
So far in the history of Test cricket, there have been three such bowlers who have managed to take multiple wickets without conceding any runs in an inning. Here’s a list of the three names.
1. Mukesh Kumar – 2/0 vs. South Africa, January 2024
Indian fast bowler Mukesh Kumar made his debut in international cricket last year only. He has become an all-format player for the nation now. Playing in the second Test of the ongoing series against South Africa, Kumar dismissed Keshav Maharaj and Kagiso Rabada without conceding any runs.
2. Joe Root – 2/0 vs. Sri Lanka, January 2021
England toured Sri Lanka for a Test series in early 2021. In the Galle Test match, captain Joe Root decided to bowl some off-spin and returned with figures of 2/0. He dismissed tailenders Lasith Embuldeniya and Asitha Fernando to wrap up the innings.
3. Richie Benaud – 3/0 vs. India, December 1959
The only bowler to take more than two wickets while conceding 0 runs in an innings is former Australian captain Richie Benaud. He bowled a dream spell of 3/0 against India at the Arun Jaitley Stadium in December 1959. His three victims were Joshi, Muddiah and Desai.
