Top 10 Most Times Bowled Out in Test Cricket: Surprising Stats of Legendary Batsmen

Most Times Bowled Out in Test

In the game of Test cricket, getting bowled is often seen as a sign of a mistake in technique or timing. But even some of the greatest batters in the history of the game have been bowled out many times. These dismissals show how tough Test cricket can be, even for legends.

In this article, we look at the top 10 batsmen who have been dismissed bowled the most times in Test cricket. While these players have incredible careers and records, they also faced the harsh side of the game.

List of Top 10 Most Times Bowled Out in Test Cricket

10. Mark Boucher

Mark Boucher was South Africa’s trusted wicketkeeper and a dependable lower-order batsman. While he is remembered for his safe gloves and gritty innings under pressure, Boucher was also among the players with the Most Times Bowled Out in Test history. Batting lower in the order often exposed him to hostile conditions and fresh fast bowlers, making him more susceptible to being bowled. Despite this, Boucher played many match-saving knocks and was a vital part of South Africa’s middle and lower order. His name still features in records related to wicketkeeping and also for the Most Times Bowled Out in Test cricket.

PlayerCountryTestsRunsHS100s/50sBowled
Mark BoucherSouth Africa14755151255/3540

9. Steve Waugh

Steve Waugh was a captain who embodied mental toughness and resilience. Renowned for his ability to dig in and fight through the most testing conditions, Waugh earned immense respect for his grit. However, despite his solid technique and temperament, he was bowled 40 times in his illustrious career. This surprising statistic highlights how even the best in the game are not immune to moments of vulnerability. His name features prominently in the list of players with the Most Times Bowled Out in Test history, reminding us that cricket’s unpredictable nature spares no one no matter how legendary their status or skill.

PlayerCountryTestsRunsHS100s/50sBowled
Steve WaughAustralia1681092720032/5040

8. Gundappa Viswanath

Gundappa Viswanath was renowned for his elegance, timing, and graceful strokeplay, often caressing the ball with soft hands rather than brute power. However, this stylish technique sometimes exposed him to deliveries sneaking between bat and pad. As a result, he was bowled out 41 times in his Test career—a stat that places him prominently among players with the Most Times Bowled Out in Test cricket. Despite his vulnerability to such dismissals, Viswanath’s ability to craft innings under pressure made him a true artist at the crease, even as he joined the rare list of those with the Most Times Bowled Out in Test history.

PlayerCountryTestsRunsHS100s/50sBowled
G.R. ViswanathIndia91608022214/3541

7. Jonny Bairstow

Jonny Bairstow brings flair and firepower to the English middle order. His aggressive style of play often thrills fans and puts bowlers under pressure. However, this same fearless approach has made him vulnerable to bowled dismissals. With 42 bowled outs, Bairstow is steadily climbing the list for the Most Times Bowled Out in Test history. His position in this unique record highlights the risks of playing attacking cricket in the longer format. Despite the setbacks, Bairstow remains a crucial asset for England, proving that even those who feature high on the Most Times Bowled Out in Test list can be match-winners.

PlayerCountryTestsRunsHS100s/50sBowled
Jonny BairstowEngland1006042167*12/2642

6. Stuart Broad

Although primarily known for his fast bowling, Stuart Broad has played many important innings with the bat. However, his aggressive and sometimes loose techniques have led to 44 bowled dismissals. That puts him firmly among players with the Most Times Bowled Out in Test format.

PlayerCountryTestsRunsHS100s/50sBowled
Stuart BroadEngland16736621691/1344

5. John R. Reid

John R. Reid was a brave and aggressive batter who led New Zealand in tough times. Despite fewer Tests than others on this list, his percentage of bowled dismissals is the highest. He holds a unique place in the list of Most Times Bowled Out in Test history due to his bold batting.

PlayerCountryTestsRunsHS100s/50sBowled
John R. ReidNew Zealand5834281426/2244

4. Jacques Kallis

Jacques Kallis was known for his near-perfect batting technique and incredible consistency. Still, 46 of his dismissals came via being bowled, largely due to bowlers targeting his off-stump with precision. He remains one of the greats with the Most Times Bowled Out in Test cricket.

PlayerCountryTestsRunsHS100s/50sBowled
Jacques KallisSouth Africa1661328922445/5846

3. Allan Border

Allan Border was the rock of the Australian team in the 1980s. His consistency and temperament made him a tough wicket to get. Still, he was bowled 53 times in his career, earning him a place in the Most Times Bowled Out in Test records.

PlayerCountryTestsRunsHS100s/50sBowled
Allan BorderAustralia1561117420527/6353

2. Sachin Tendulkar

The highest run-scorer in Test history, Sachin Tendulkar was celebrated for his genius and remarkable adaptability. However, even the greatest face challenges Tendulkar was dismissed bowled 54 times in his Test career. This surprising number highlights how bowlers constantly brought their A-game against him. His inclusion in the Most Times Bowled Out in Test list reflects not a weakness, but the relentless pressure top batters endure. Despite his mastery over bowlers, his presence in the Most Times Bowled Out in Test chart serves as a reminder that even legends are not invincible in the face of elite bowling in Test cricket.

PlayerCountryTestsRunsHS100s/50sBowled
Sachin TendulkarIndia20015921248*51/6854

1. Rahul Dravid

Rahul Dravid was famously called “The Wall” for his solid and impenetrable defense. However, even the most unshakable wall was breached Dravid was bowled out 55 times in his illustrious Test career. His ability to play long innings and face the highest number of deliveries in Test history naturally increased his exposure to bowled dismissals. Despite his legendary technique, he holds a unique record topping the chart for the Most Times Bowled Out in Test history. This surprising statistic shows that even the best can be vulnerable, making Dravid’s career all the more remarkable and fascinating.

PlayerCountryTestsRunsHS100s/50sBowled
Rahul DravidIndia1641328827036/6355

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FAQ

Q1. What does it mean to be bowled in cricket?

Being “bowled” means the ball hits the stumps and dislodges the bails, dismissing the batsman.

Q2. Is being bowled a common dismissal?

Yes, especially in Test cricket where bowlers target the stumps and use swing and seam movement.

Q3. Why do even top players get bowled often?

Even the best players can misjudge a delivery, especially when bowlers exploit weaknesses in defense or footwork.

Q4. Who was bowled the most in Test cricket?

Rahul Dravid holds the record with 55 bowled dismissals in Tests.

Q5. Is getting bowled a sign of weakness?

Not always. It often shows that a batter faced high-quality bowling or played long innings with increased risk.

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