Glenn McGrath's bowling record is likely to be not bettered at the ICC World Cup 2019 in England and Wales. The Australian legend tops the bowling charts with 71 wickets. Here are the top-10 bowlers in World Cup history
New Delhi: Australian legend Glenn McGrath is ruling the World Cup bowling charts as he comfortably sits on top of the pile in the highest wicket-takers list in the history of the tournament.
Between 1996 and 2007, McGrath picked up 71 wickets from 39 matches at an average of 18.19. He was part of three World Cup title wins, 1999, 2003 and 2007.
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Overall, McGrath bowled 325.5 overs with 42 maidens. He conceded 1,292 runs with best figures of 7/15 against Namibia in 2003. He had two five-wicket hauls in his World Cup career.
On February 27, 2003, McGrath destroyed Namibia batting by claiming seven wickets. His bowling analysis read 7-4-15-7 at Potchefstroom in South Africa. His outstanding spell of bowing skittled out the opposition for just 45 in 14 overs. Australia registered a massive 256-run victory.
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The second highest wicket-taker in World Cup history is Sri Lankan spin legend Muttaiah Muralitharan. The off-spinner bagged 68 victims in 40 matches.
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Among Indians, Zaheer Khan and Javagal Srinath are joint fifth with 44 wickets apiece.
McGrath’s record is likely to remain unbroken at this year’s World Cup 2019 in England and Wales. Among the top-10 bowlers, only Lasith Malinga of Sri Lanka will be seen in action at this year’s tournament while the rest have already retired.
ICC World Cup 2019 will be played from May 30 to July 14. The final will be at the iconic Lord’s cricket ground.
1. Glenn McGrath (Australia) — 71 wickets (39 matches)
2. Muttaiah Muralitharan (Sri Lanka) — 68 (40)
3. Wasim Akram (Pakistan) — 55 (38)
4. Chaminda Vaas (Sri Lanka) — 49 (31)
5. Zaheer Khan (India) — 44 (23); Javagal Srinath (India) — 44 (34)
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6. Lasith Malinga (Sri Lanka) — 43 (22)
7. Allan Donald (South Africa) — 38 (25)
8. Jacob Oram (New Zealand) — 36 (23); Daniel Vettori (New Zealand) — 36 (32)
9. Brett Lee (Australia) — 35 (17)
10. Brad Hogg (Australia) — 34 (21); Imran Khan (Pakistan) — 34 (28); Shaun Tait (Australia) — 34 (18)
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