If you’ve ever watched a Test match and heard the term “10W” or seen it on a cricket scorecard, you might have wondered what it means. Don’t worry — you’re not alone. In this article, we’ll clearly explain what is 10W in Test cricket, how it happens, and why it’s one of the most extraordinary achievements in the sport.
What Does 10W Mean in Test Cricket?
In Test cricket, “10W” stands for 10 wickets taken by a bowler in a single innings. It’s short for “10 wickets haul” — meaning the bowler dismissed all ten batsmen of the opposing team in one innings.
This is one of the rarest and most prestigious feats a bowler can achieve, showing complete dominance over the batting side. Only a few bowlers in the entire history of cricket have managed to take all 10 wickets in a Test innings.
Why 10W Is So Special in Test Cricket
Taking 10 wickets in an innings requires exceptional skill, stamina, and precision. Test matches are played over five days, and bowlers usually share the workload. So when one bowler takes every single wicket, it’s an incredible solo performance.
Here’s why 10W is a big deal:
- It shows complete control over the match.
- It highlights the bowler’s accuracy, patience, and strategy.
- It creates a historic moment remembered for decades.
Famous 10W Performances in Test History
Let’s look at some iconic bowlers who achieved this milestone:
- Jim Laker (England) – 10/53 vs Australia (1956)
The first player ever to take all 10 wickets in a Test innings. His performance remains legendary. - Anil Kumble (India) – 10/74 vs Pakistan (1999)
Kumble became the second bowler in history to achieve 10W in Test cricket, doing it in front of his home crowd in Delhi. - Ajaz Patel (New Zealand) – 10/119 vs India (2021)
The most recent addition to this elite list, Ajaz achieved this rare feat in Mumbai, joining Laker and Kumble in cricketing history.
Difference Between 5W and 10W in Test Cricket
You might often hear about “5W” (five-wicket haul) as well. Here’s the difference:
- 5W (Five-for) – When a bowler takes five wickets in a single innings.
- 10W (Ten-for) – When a bowler takes all ten wickets in one innings.
While a 5W is a great performance, 10W is historic and happens very rarely.
How 10W Impacts the Match
When a bowler takes 10 wickets, it often changes the course of the match completely.
It can:
- Dismiss the entire team quickly.
- Put huge pressure on the opposition.
- Lead the bowler’s team toward victory.
In Test cricket, such performances are celebrated as career-defining achievements.
Final Thoughts on What Is 10W in Test Cricket
To summarize, 10W in Test cricket means taking all 10 wickets in a single innings — a rare and remarkable accomplishment. It represents mastery, endurance, and dominance by a bowler in the toughest format of the game.
If you ever see a bowler achieve this, know you’re witnessing cricketing history in the making!
