Cricket fans have been lucky to witness many great spinners over the years, from Australia’s Bill O’Reilly and Richie Benaud to India’s Anil Kumble and Pakistan’s Saqlain Mushtaq. While spin bowling may not seem as exciting as fast bowling, a battle between a skilled spinner and a strong player of spin is always a delight.
When discussing the greatest spin bowler, the debate usually comes down to Shane Warne vs Muttiah Muralitharan. Both were incredible match-winners, but let’s see if stats can help us decide who’s the best.
Overall Test Record
Both Warne and Muralitharan were dominant in Test cricket, with Muralitharan claiming more wickets despite playing fewer matches. Muralitharan’s average and strike rate are slightly better than Warne’s, making him more efficient overall.
Player
Matches
Wickets
Average
Strike-rate
Shane Warne
145
708
25.41
57.4
Muttiah Muralitharan
133
800
22.72
55
Muralitharan has a clear edge here, with a lower bowling average and quicker strike rate, indicating his ability to take wickets more often and with fewer deliveries.
ODI Cricket Record
Muralitharan’s record in One Day Internationals (ODIs) is significantly better than Warne’s. He played almost double the number of matches and took far more wickets, with a better average and strike rate.
Player
Matches
Wickets
Average
Strike-rate
Shane Warne
194
293
25.73
36.3
Muttiah Muralitharan
350
534
23.08
35.2
Despite Warne’s significant contributions in ODIs, Muralitharan clearly had a longer and more successful career in the shorter format.
Test Record in Matches Won
Both bowlers played key roles in their teams’ victories. Muralitharan has an astonishing average and strike rate in matches won, showing how vital he was for Sri Lanka’s success.
Player
Matches Won
Wickets
Average
Strike-rate
Shane Warne
92
510
22.47
51.2
Muttiah Muralitharan
54
438
16.18
42.7
Muralitharan’s average of just 16.18 in matches his team won underlines his unmatched ability to deliver in winning causes.
Subcontinental conditions favor spin bowlers, and both Warne and Muralitharan had different levels of success inside and outside this region. Muralitharan was more dominant in the subcontinent, while Warne was more balanced in all conditions.
Region
Player
Matches
Wickets
Average
Strike-rate
In subcontinent
Shane Warne
25
127
26.81
52.6
Muttiah Muralitharan
97
612
21.69
53.2
Outside subcontinent
Shane Warne
120
581
25.11
58.5
Muttiah Muralitharan
36
188
26.08
61
Muralitharan’s dominance in the subcontinent is evident, while Warne performed consistently across all conditions, with only slight variations in averages.
5 Wicket Hauls in Tests and ODIs
The number of 5-wicket hauls a bowler takes is an indicator of their match-winning capabilities. Muralitharan comfortably outshines Warne in this department, with more 5-wicket hauls in both Tests and ODIs.
Player
Tests
ODIs
5-wicket Hauls in Tests
10-wicket Hauls in Tests
5-wicket Hauls in ODIs
Shane Warne
145
194
37
10
1
Muttiah Muralitharan
133
350
67
22
10
Muralitharan’s 67 five-wicket hauls in Tests, and 10 in ODIs, demonstrate his match-winning ability in both formats.
Performance Against Top Test-Playing Nations
Facing top teams like England, India, and South Africa is a true test for any bowler. Warne struggled a bit against India, while Muralitharan maintained more consistency across strong teams.
Opposition
Player
Matches
Wickets
Average
Strike-rate
England
Shane Warne
36
195
23.25
55.1
India
Shane Warne
14
43
47.18
91.2
South Africa
Shane Warne
24
130
24.16
60.9
Australia
Muttiah Muralitharan
13
59
36.06
69.7
England
Muttiah Muralitharan
16
112
20.06
59
India
Muttiah Muralitharan
22
105
32.61
66.8
South Africa
Muttiah Muralitharan
15
104
22.22
56.8
Warne’s high average against India stands out, while Muralitharan’s consistency against top teams, especially England and South Africa, is notable.
Performance Against Test Match Minnows
Both Warne and Muralitharan performed exceptionally well against weaker Test nations, as expected. However, Muralitharan was even more dominant, especially against Bangladesh and Zimbabwe.
Opposition
Player
Matches
Wickets
Average
Strike-rate
Bangladesh
Shane Warne
2
11
27.27
47.6
Zimbabwe
Shane Warne
1
6
22.83
53.1
Bangladesh
Muttiah Muralitharan
11
89
13.37
30.4
Zimbabwe
Muttiah Muralitharan
14
87
16.86
54.2
Muralitharan’s dominance against minnows is evident, with significantly lower averages and strike rates, making him incredibly difficult to play against for these teams.
In summary, while Shane Warne was a well rounded bowler, excelling in various conditions and formats, Muttiah Muralitharan’s numbers indicate greater consistency and dominance, especially in Tests and ODIs. Each bowler had their strengths, making them both legends of the game.
