From Kuldeep Yadav to Paul Adams: Meet 3 left-arm Chinaman bowlers with most five-wicket hauls in Test cricket
As Kuldeep Yadav claimed his fifth five-wicket haul earlier on Sunday (Oct 12), let’s take a look at the left-arm Chinaman bowlers with the most five-wicket hauls in Test cricket.
Left-Arm Spinners
- Left-arm spinners bowl with their left hand and make the ball turn, confusing batters.
- Left-arm spinners are special because they offer a different angle and can trouble batters with flight, turn, and pace changes.
- There are mainly two types:
- Left-arm orthodox – Spin the ball away from a right-handed batter.
- Left-arm Chinaman – Spin the ball into a right-handed batter (rare and tricky).
What Makes Left-Arm Chinaman Special
- Left-arm Chinaman bowlers use wrist spin instead of finger spin, unlike orthodox spinners.
- Their deliveries turn into a right-handed batter, which is unusual for left-arm bowlers.
- This makes them hard to read, often causing batters to make mistakes.
- They are rare, exciting to watch, and can change a Test match with clever spin.
- Now let's have a glance at three left-arm chinaman with the most fifers in Test cricket.
Kuldeep Yadav – 5 fifers in 15 Tests
India’s Kuldeep Yadav has shown why he’s one of the best left-arm wrist spinners. In just 15 Tests, he has taken five wickets in an innings five times, troubling batters with his sharp turn and clever variations.
Johnny Wardle – 5 fifers in 28 Tests
England’s Johnny Wardle was a master of left-arm Chinaman bowling. Across 28 Tests, he picked up five wickets in an innings on five occasions, using flight and spin to outsmart the opposition.
Paul Adams – 4 fifers in 45 Tests
South Africa’s Paul Adams, known for his unique bowling action, claimed four five-wicket hauls in 45 Tests. His unusual style and accurate spin made him a challenging bowler for even the best batters.
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