- Richard Hadlee (New Zealand): 80 matches
At the top of this exclusive club stand New Zealand's Richard Hadlee and South Africa's Dale Steyn jointly, both having taken their 400th Test wicket in just 80 matches. Hadlee, a true all-rounder, was the first bowler to cross the 400-wicket mark in Test history, doing so in 1990. His remarkable consistency and ability to swing the ball both ways made him a nightmare for batsmen. He took 431 wickets in his test career. He made his Test debut for New Zealand on February 2, 1973, against Pakistan in Wellington, and he retired from Test cricket on July 5, 1990, against England in Birmingham.
- Dale Steyn (South Africa): 80 matches
Dale Steyn, a modern-era lethal bowler with his blistering pace, tremendous swing, and pinpoint bowling, achieved the milestone in 2015, helping him cement his position as one of the most feared fast bowlers of his generation. Their shared record in 80 matches underlines their exceptional effectiveness right from the start of their careers. In test cricket, he took 439 wickets in his red-ball career. He made his Test debut on December 17, 2004, against England, and he announced his retirement from all forms of cricket, including Tests, on August 31, 2021.
- Glenn McGrath (Australia): 87 matches
The list is topped by Australia's legendary pacer, Glenn McGrath, who got to his 400th wicket in 87 matches. Known for his consistent accuracy, subtle seam movement, and ability to generate bounce, McGrath tormented batsmen for over a decade. His ability to build pressure and exploit even the smallest mistake made him a consistent wicket-taker, cementing his place as one of Australia's greatest fast bowlers. He made his Test debut on November 12, 1993, against New Zealand and retired from Test cricket on January 5, 2007, after the final Ashes Test in Sydney. He finished his test career with 563 wickets.
- Wasim Akram (Pakistan): 96 Matches
The next name on the list is Pakistan's "Sultan of Swing," Wasim Akram, who touched the 400-wicket mark in 96 matches. Akram's mastery over reverse swing, combined with his deceptive pace and variations, made him nearly unstoppable on his day. He was a pioneer in the art of fast bowling, inspiring a generation of fast bowlers with his unmatched skill and aggressive approach. He took 414 test wickets in his career. He made his test debut against New Zealand in 1985, while he played his last test against Bangladesh in 2002.
- Curtly Ambrose (West Indies): 97 Matches
The giant of the West Indies' pace, Curtly Ambrose, achieved this feat in 97 matches. Ambrose, with his incredible bounce, dangerous speed, and unerring accuracy, was a formidable force during the golden age of West Indies fast bowling. His ability to bowl phenomenal spells that often demolished entire batting line-ups has made him one of the most respected and feared bowlers in Test history. Wlash took 519 wickets in his test career. He made his Test debut on April 2, 1988, against Pakistan in Georgetown, Guyana. His final Test appearance came against England in 2000.
- Mitchell Starc (Australia): 100 Matches
Most recently, Australia's dynamic left-arm pacer, Mitchell Starc, joined this elite group, bagging his 400th Test wicket in his 100th Test match. Starc, known for his blistering pace, late swing, and ability to produce unplayable yorkers, has been a potent force for Australia in every situation. Achieving this milestone in his 100th Test is a testament to his durability and consistent wicket-taking ability throughout his career, adding his name to the list of fast bowling legends who have left an indelible mark on Test cricket. Starc made his test debut against New Zealand in 2011. He is still active in International cricket. After the West Indies series, Australia will be preparing for the upcoming cricket series against England (The Ashes). Starc has already taken 402 test wickets in 100 test matches and has undoubtedly become a legendary fast bowler.