What is 10W in Test Cricket? The Rare Feat Every Bowler Dreams Of!

What Is 10W in Test Cricket?

If you’ve ever watched a Test match and heard commentators shout, “He’s taken all ten!” — you’ve just witnessed one of the rarest miracles in cricket. The term “10W” in Test cricket stands for 10 wickets in a single innings — a record so extraordinary that only a handful of bowlers in the entire history of the game have ever done it. Every bowler dreams of it. Every fan wishes to witness it. But only a few legends have ever turned that dream into reality.

In this post, we’ll uncover what “10W” really means, how it happens, the stories of the greats who achieved it, and why it’s considered one of the most magical moments in Test cricket history.

What Does 10W Mean in Test Cricket?

Each team gets two innings in test cricket, and the bowling side’s goal is simple — dismiss all 10 batters. When a single bowler manages to take all 10 wickets in an innings, it’s written as “10W” in the scorecard — meaning that bowler alone removed every opposing batter.

Imagine it: no other bowler got a wicket. Just one player — delivering spell after spell, mastering swing, spin, or pace — and claiming every single scalp. That’s not just skill; it’s pure dominance.

So, “10W” = 10 wickets by one bowler in one innings — the ultimate bowling perfection.

Why Is 10W So Special?

To understand its rarity, think about this:

A typical Test innings might last 80 to 120 overs. Bowlers are rotated, pitches change behavior, and luck always plays its part. Now imagine one bowler staying consistent through all of that — outsmarting every batter, using conditions wisely, and keeping energy till the very end. That’s what makes 10W so special.

It’s not just a record, it’s a statement:

“I owned this innings.” Even the best bowlers — legends like Shane Warne, Glenn McGrath, and Wasim Akram — never took 10 wickets in a single innings. That tells you how incredible this achievement is.

A Bit of History: Who Took 10W in Test Cricket?

Only a few names sparkle in cricket history with this rare tag of 10W in an innings. Let’s take a look at these legends:

1. Jim Laker (England) – 10/53 vs Australia, 1956

The very first man to achieve this almost mythical record. In 1956 at Old Trafford, Jim Laker spun magic against Australia. He took nine wickets in the first innings and then 10 in the second, finishing with an unbelievable 19 wickets in the match — a record that still stands unmatched.

Laker’s 10/53 remains one of cricket’s most cherished achievements, proving how devastating an off-spinner could be on a turning pitch.

2. Anil Kumble (India) – 10/74 vs Pakistan, 1999

More than four decades later, history repeated itself — this time in Delhi. Anil Kumble, the Indian leg-spin maestro, tore through Pakistan’s batting lineup, dismissing every player.

The packed Feroz Shah Kotla crowd chanted his name as Pakistan’s last batter, Wasim Akram, edged one to short leg.

Scorecard: Pakistan all out, Kumble 10 for 74. His teammates lifted him in the air — and that moment became an emotional chapter in Indian cricket. Till today, Indian fans proudly recall that magical day when Kumble did what no Indian had ever done before.

3. Ajaz Patel (New Zealand) – 10/119 vs India, 2021

The most recent bowler to join the elite club — and what a poetic twist! Born in Mumbai, Ajaz Patel achieved his 10W feat against India in the same city. On a turning Wankhede track, the left-arm spinner claimed all ten Indian wickets. Even though New Zealand lost the match, Ajaz made history, etching his name alongside Laker and Kumble.

His humble celebration and teary-eyed smile earned him admiration from every cricket fan around the world for his spirit.

How Rare Is This Feat Really?

Let’s put this in numbers:

• More than 2,500 Test matches have been played since 1877.
• In those matches, only three bowlers have ever taken 10 wickets in an innings.

That’s 0.12% of all Test matches — almost once in a lifetime. So, when we say it’s “rare,” it truly is. You could watch Test cricket your entire life and might never see it happen live.

What Makes It So Difficult to Take 10W?

Several reasons:

1. Shared Overs – Bowlers work in pairs, meaning wickets are usually split.
2. Pitch Conditions – The surface changes constantly; some overs favor seamers, others spinners.
3. Fatigue Factor – Bowling long spells takes serious endurance and focus.
4. Captain’s Strategy – Captains often rotate bowlers to keep pressure balanced, not letting one dominate all the time.
5. Luck – Even a mistimed shot or dropped catch can ruin a perfect 10W chance.

So, when someone does take all ten, it’s a mix of skill, control, fitness, and destiny coming together.

The Emotional Side of a 10W Moment

Every 10W story carries emotion — pride, disbelief, joy, and sometimes tears. When Anil Kumble took his tenth wicket, he smiled modestly, almost shyly, as if it wasn’t a big deal. When Jim Laker did it, even Australians applauded. When Ajaz Patel did it, the Indian crowd rose to their feet — for an opponent! These moments remind us why cricket is called a gentleman’s game.

They unite fans beyond teams and flags, demonstrating that greatness deserves applause regardless of who delivers it.

The Impact of 10W on a Test Match

Taking 10 wickets doesn’t just decorate a player’s career; it completely changes the game’s course.

It can:

• Demoralize the batting side, crushing their confidence.
• Shift momentum, often leading to match-winning positions.
• Boost the bowler’s legacy, turning them into national heroes overnight.

For instance, Kumble’s 10W helped India win the match comfortably. Laker’s 10W sealed a historic Ashes victory. Ajaz’s 10W, though in a losing cause, earned him worldwide respect and a permanent place in cricket history.

Fun Facts About 10W in Test Cricket

• Jim Laker also took 19 wickets in that same match — the most ever in a Test.
• Both Laker and Kumble were spinners — proving that patience and precision often beat speed.
• Ajaz Patel was born in India but represented New Zealand — making his 10W story beautifully ironic.
• A few bowlers have come close to 10W (like Richard Hadlee’s 9/52 and Muralitharan’s 9/65) but fell just one short.

The Magic Behind the Numbers

A “10W” might look like just a number on paper, but behind it lies hours of training, sweat, and mental strength. It tells a story of a bowler who never gave up — who believed that every ball could take a wicket.

In cricketing terms, it’s the bowling equivalent of scoring a triple century. When you see “10W” on a scorecard, you’re not just looking at statistics — you’re looking at history written by hand, sweat, and skill.

How Fans React to a 10W Performance

Cricket fans live for moments like these. Whether in Delhi, Manchester, or Mumbai, when a bowler reaches nine wickets, everyone sits on the edge of their seats. Every delivery feels like a heartbeat.

Every near-miss, a groan. And when the final wicket falls — pure euphoria. Crowds erupt, commentators shout, teammates rush in — and for a few minutes, the cricket world stops spinning, united in applause. That’s the magic of 10W.

Lessons from the Legends

If you ask any young bowler what they dream of, they’ll likely say: “I want to take 10 wickets one day.” But the real lesson from Laker, Kumble, and Ajaz isn’t just about wickets — it’s about focus and patience. They didn’t chase records. They bowled one ball at a time, trusted their craft, and stayed calm even when tired. Their success shows that greatness in cricket — and in life — often comes from persistence, not perfection.

FAQs About 10W in Test Cricket

Q1: What does 10W mean in Test cricket?

It means one bowler has taken all 10 wickets in a single innings — the rarest bowling achievement possible.

Q2: How many bowlers have taken 10W in an innings?

Only three: Jim Laker (England), Anil Kumble (India), and Ajaz Patel (New Zealand).

Q3: Can a bowler take 10 wickets in a match but not in one innings?

Yes. Many bowlers take 10 wickets across both innings combined — but 10W refers specifically to all 10 in one innings.

Q4: Who was the first bowler to take 10 wickets?

Jim Laker, in 1956, against Australia.

Q5: Has any fast bowler taken 10W?

No, all three 10W achievements came from spin bowlers.

Q6: Can 10W happen in limited-overs cricket?

No, because bowlers are limited to a certain number of overs, making it almost impossible.

Conclusion: The Dream That Defines Greatness

So now you know what 10W in Test cricket truly means — not just in numbers, but in spirit. It’s more than a record; it’s a once-in-a-lifetime symphony of skill, patience, and destiny. Jim Laker did it first, Anil Kumble made India proud, and Ajaz Patel reminded the world that dreams don’t care about boundaries. Every bowler who steps onto a Test pitch knows — somewhere deep down — that this is the ultimate dream. And every fan, deep inside, hopes to witness that dream come true, just once more.

“10W in Test cricket isn’t just about wickets — it’s about perfection, passion, and the rarest form of cricketing brilliance.”