Against the West Indies at the Multan Cricket Ground, Noman Ali broke his own record of the oldest Pakistani to take a ten-wicket haul in a men’s Test match.
With 6-41, Noman had played a part in Pakistan bowling out the West Indies for 163 in the second Test of the two-match series, at Multan. However, the tourists hit back to take a nine-run lead. En route, he became the second-oldest to complete a hat-trick in men’s Test cricket.
The first day’s play ended on that score. Noman continued to strike on the second day, claiming four of the first five wickets to fall. The fourth of these, of Alick Athanaze, got him his second ten-wicket haul. At 38 years 110 days on the first day of the Test match, Noman is now the oldest Pakistani to take a ten-wicket haul. He improved on his own record, of 38 years 8 days, against England at the same venue earlier this season.
Who is the oldest to take a ten-wicket haul in Test cricket?
At 49 years 311 days, the maverick Australian left-arm spinner Bert Ironmonger has been at the top of the list since 1931-32. Having lost half the forefinger of his bowling arm to a childhood accident, Ironmonger not only bowled finger-spin but was also good enough to play Test cricket.
While Noman’s ten-for is 23rd on the list, there are only six unique names above him, of whom four were from before the Second World War – Syd Barnes, Clarrie Grimmett, Ironmonger, and "Tich" Freeman. The others are Australian leg-spinner Bob Holland and – the only 21st-century entry above Noman – Rangana Herath.
