Author Photo
Prabath Jayasuriya
Getty Images

Sri Lankan left-arm spinner Prabath Jayasuriya is on the verge of equaling a 128-year-old Test cricket record during the 2nd Test match against New Zealand at Galle.

He has an opportunity to top and equal the record as one of the two bowlers fastest to reach 100 wickets in Test cricket.

Bet on Sri Lanka v New Zealand and other cricket matches here!

Jayasuriya who was at 88 wickets at the end of 15 matches, needed 12 wickets to match the historic record, in his 16th Test match. He picked up 6/42 in the first innings and at stumps on Day 3, he picked up 1 wicket in the second innings.

With the Blackcaps currently reeling at 199/5 and headed for a defeat, the left-arm spinner will need to pick up all the remaining five wickets in the inning to top the list.

In this article, The Sporting News takes a look at the list of bowlers who have been the fastest (least matches) to pick up 100 wickets in Test cricket.

MORE: Sri Lanka enforce follow-on after New Zealand batting collapse: Lowest team totals for Kiwis in SL vs NZ Tests listed

List of bowlers fastest to pick 100 Test wickets in Test cricket

Jayasuriya needs 5 more wickets in the ongoing match at Galle to equal George Lohmann's record of reaching 100 Test wickets tally in 16 matches

Here is a list of the top bowlers who were fastest to pick up 100 wickets in Tests:

Matches takenPlayerOppositionMatch YearVenue
16George Lohmann (England)South Africa1896Johannesburg
17Charles Turner (Australia)England1895Sydney
17Sydney Barnes (England)Australia1912Sydney
17Charlie GrimmettWest Indies1931Brisbane
17Yasir ShahWest Indies2016Dubai
18Ravichandran AshwinWest Indies2013Wankhede

Bet as you watch the thrilling SL v NZ Test action and win exclusive cash rewards. Sign up here!

What is Prabath Jayasuriya's bowling record in Test cricket?

In his relatively young Test career so far, Jayasuriya has picked up 95 wickets in 15 matches at an average of 28.35, including nine 5-wicket hauls in innings and two 10-wicket match hauls.

MatchesInningsWicketsAverageBest Bowl Inns5w/10w
16*309528.357/529/2

MORE: Prabath Jayasuriya grabs fifer against New Zealand: Which Sri Lanka bowler has picked up most 5-wicket hauls in Test cricket?

If you purchase a product or register for an account through one of the links on our site, we may receive compensation. Learn more >

Author(s)
Saino Zachariah Photo

Saino Zachariah is a content producer for The Sporting News' India edition.