2001: Walsh is first to take 500 Test wickets

Courtney Walsh made cricket history on 19 March 2001, becoming the first bowler to claim 500 Test wickets.

The West Indies fast bowler achieved the landmark during the second Test against South Africa at Queen’s Park Oval in Port of Spain, Trinidad. His historic 500th victim was Jacques Kallis, dismissed leg-before-wicket for a duck in South Africa’s second innings. Walsh had earlier removed Gary Kirsten for his 499th wicket, finishing the innings with remarkable figures of 6 for 61.

At 38 years of age and playing in his 129th Test, Walsh’s achievement was a testament to his extraordinary longevity, consistency and relentless fast bowling.

Widely respected for his sportsmanship and commitment, he finished his illustrious Test career with 519 wickets, establishing a world record that stood until Sri Lankan spinner Muttiah Muralitharan surpassed it in 2004.

Walsh’s 500-wicket milestone remains one of the defining achievements in the history of Test cricket.

2nd Test, 2001.