Murali, Akram, Vaas and Lee ... the top 10 ODI wicket takers – in pictures

The most prolific bowlers and their records in one-day international cricket

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  TOP 10 ODI WICKET-TAKERS 10) ANIL KUMBLE (India) 337 wickets: Top-class spinner and consistent wicket-taker in Test and ODI cricket. Kumble took two ODI five-wicket hauls from 271 matches, at an average of 30.89. His best bowling figures were 6-12 against the West Indies in the 1993 Hero Cup final in Kolkata. Kumble played his final ODI in 2007. AFP

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  9) LASITH MALINGA (Sri Lanka) 338 wickets: Brilliant death bowler in short forms of cricket, also known for his famous sling action and in-swinging yorkers. He is the only bowler to have taken two World Cup hat-tricks - including four wickets in four balls against South Africa in 2007. Malinga took eight ODI five-wicket hauls from 226 matches, at an average of 28.87. His best bowling figures are 6-38 against Kenya in 2011 in Colombo, where he secured his second World Cup hat-trick. Malinga played his final ODI in 2019. Getty

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  8) BRETT LEE (Australia) 380 wickets: Fearsome fast bowler and one of the quickest pacers of all time - regularly clocking over the 150 km/h mark - who also has a World Cup hat-trick to his name. Lee took nine ODI five-wicket hauls from 221 matches, at an average of 23.36. His best bowling figures were 5-22 against South Africa in Melbourne in 2006. Lee played his final ODI in 2012. AFP

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  7) GLENN McGRATH (Australia) 381 wickets: Stunningly accurate line and length bowler who added swing to his repertoire in his later years. Has taken the most World Cup wickets with a total of 71. McGrath took seven five-wicket hauls from 250 matches, at an average of 22.02. His best bowling figures were 7-15 against Namibia at Potchefstroom during the 2007 World Cup. McGrath played his final ODI in 2003. Getty

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  6) SHAUN POLLOCK (South Africa) 393 wickets: Accurate, medium-fast bowler from famous South African cricketing stock. Also a genuine bowling all-rounder with an ODI century to his name. Pollock took five five-wicket hauls from 303 matches, at an average of 24.50. His best bowling figures were 6-35 against the West Indies at Buffalo Park in 1999. Pollock played his final ODI in 2008. AFP

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  5) SHAHID AFRIDI (Pakistan) 395 wickets: Although more known for his explosive batting, 'Bood Boom' was also a dangerous bowler who modelled himself on Pakistan leg-spinner Abdul Qadir. Afridi took nine ODI five-wicket hauls from 398 matches, at an average of 34.51. His best bowling figures were 7-12 against the West Indies in Guyana in 2013. Afridi also cracked 76 off 55 balls with the bat in that match. He played his final ODI in 2015. Getty

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  4) CHAMINDA VAAS (Sri Lanka) 400 wickets: Fast bowler who holds the record for the best figures in ODI history, and remains the only bowler to take an eight-wicket haul. Vaas took four ODI five-wicket hauls from 322 matches, at an average of 27.52. He became the first player - in Tests or ODIs - to take a hat-trick with the first three deliveries of the match, which he managed against Bangladesh at the City Oval during the 2003 World Cup. His best bowling figures were the record-breaking 8-19 against Zimbabwe in Colombo in 2001. Vaas played his final ODI in 2008. AFP

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  3) WAQAR YOUNIS (Pakistan) 416 wickets: Superb fast bowler who mastered the art of reversing the ball at high speed. Formed one of the great bowling partnerships alongside Wasim Akram. Younis took 13 ODI five-wicket hauls from 262 matches, at an average of 23.84. His best bowling figures were 7-36 against England at Headingley in 2001. Younis played his final ODI in 2003. Getty

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  2) WASIM AKRAM (Pakistan) 502 wickets: The 'Sultan of Swing' was a ferocious left-arm fast bowler and, alongside bowling partner Waqar Younis, was one of the finest proponents of reverse swing who also maintained a tight line and length. Akram took six ODI five-wicket hauls from 356 matches, at an average of 23.52. His best bowling figures were 5-15 against South Africa at Buffalo Park in 1993. Akram played his final ODI in 2003. Getty

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  1) MUTTIAH MURALITHARAN (Sri Lanka) 534 wickets: Tops the charts in both Test and ODI cricket. Muralitharan played in five World Cups, taking 67 wickets - second only to Glenn McGrath's 71. He took 10 five-wicket hauls from 350 matches, at an average of 23.08. His best bowling figures were 7-30 against India in Sharjah in 2000. Muralitharan played his final ODI in 2011. AP

After an enforced absence due to the coronavirus pandemic, it finally appears that international cricket is edging closer to a return.

The West Indies arrived in England last week for a Test series that is now set to start in July.

So with the restart firmly on the horizon, we are remembering who tops the charts for the most runs and wickets of all time with bat and ball, in Test cricket, one-day and T20 internationals.

Next up will be the top 10 most prolific bowlers to have played one-day international cricket.

All the names in the list are now retired from the game with no active player anywhere near threatening to knock on the door of the top 10.

Banagldesh's 36-year-old fast-bowler Mashrafe Mortaza, down in 20th with 270 wickets, is the highest still playing.

To look through the photo gallery above, click on the arrows or simply swipe to look at the next image.