The Sri Lankan veteran Rangana Herath became the most successful left-arm bowler in test matches during the 2nd test match between Bangladesh and Sri Lanka at Sher E Bangla Stadium, Mirpur. Herath has now 415 test wickets surpassing Pakistani great Wasim Akram of 414 wickets.
Herath made his test debut in 1999 and still playing for Sri Lanka till. He dismissed former Bangladesh captain Mushfiqur Rahim stumped by Roshan Dickwella. Sri Lanka won the second test by a massive margin of 215 runs. Setting the target of 339 runs, Bangladesh were bowled out for 123 runs. Herath picked 4 wickets in second innings. Herath has been the main contributor to Sri Lankan cricket with greats like Kumar Sangakkara, TM Dilshan, Mahela Jayawardene and other top players.
The other left-arm bowlers with most wickets in test cricket include, Pakistan great Wasim Akram with 414 wickets, Daniel Vettori with 362 wickets, Chaminda Vass has 355 wickets and the final left bowler includes Australian speedster Mitchell Johnson with 313 wickets.
Herath played a total of 89 test matches till date and would be hoping for Sri Lanka for 1 or 2 years in test matches. Wasim Akram represented Pakistan in 104 test matches from 1985-2002. Daniel Vettori was the star of New Zealand taking 362 wickets of 113 tests from 1997-2014.
Chaminda Vaas represented Sri Lanka in 111 tests from 1994-2009 and finally, Mitchell Johnson showed his class with left arm pace bowling representing for Australia in 73 tests from 2007-2015.
Hearth has been a living legend for Sri Lankan cricket and also proved his abilities with top quality spin bowling. His ability to flight the ball, deceiving the batsmen makes him a special bowler. In test matches, the left arm spinner took 33 5 wickets haul in an innings and 9 times 10 wickets haul in a match.
Top 5 left arm bowlers with most wickets in test matches
- Rangana Herath ( Sri Lanka)- 415 wickets, 89 test matches, 1999- date
- Wasim Akram ( Pakistan)- 414 wickets, 103 test matches, 1985-2002
- Daniel Vettori ( New Zealand)- 362 wickets, 113 test matches, 1997-2014
- Chaminda Vaas ( Sri Lanka)- 355 wickets, 111 tests, 1994-2009
- Mitchell Johnson ( Australia)- 313 wickets, 73 tests, 2007-2015
