Who was the first cricketer in Test match history to take all ten wickets in a single innings?

Introduction / Context:

This sports history question deals with one of the rarest bowling feats in Test cricket. Taking all ten wickets in a single innings is extremely uncommon and only a few bowlers have achieved it. Knowing who did this first reflects both cricket knowledge and awareness of major records often cited in sports sections of competitive exams.

Given Data / Assumptions:

• The format is Test match cricket.
• The feat is taking all ten wickets in one innings.
• Options list famous bowlers from different eras and countries.
• We assume the question refers to the earliest instance of this achievement.

Concept / Approach:

The key fact is that English off spin bowler Jim Laker was the first cricketer to take all ten wickets in a Test innings. He achieved this against Australia at Old Trafford in 1956, taking ten wickets for a very small number of runs. Anil Kumble later matched the record for India in a Test against Pakistan, but he was not the first to do so. None of the other bowlers listed have taken all ten wickets in a single Test innings.

Step-by-Step Solution:

Verification / Alternative check:

As verification, recall that cricket record books usually list Jim Laker and Anil Kumble together when discussing ten wicket innings, always naming Laker first. Jimmy Matthews is remembered for two hat tricks in one Test, not for ten wickets in an innings. Curtly Ambrose and Muttiah Muralitharan have many wickets but never all ten in a single innings. These comparisons provide additional assurance.

Why Other Options Are Wrong:

Curtly Ambrose: A dominant West Indian fast bowler, but he never took all ten wickets in one innings.

Jimmy Matthews: Famous for taking two hat tricks in the same Test match, but not for a ten wicket innings.

Anil Kumble: Did take all ten wickets in an innings for India but after Jim Laker, so he is not the first to achieve it.

Muttiah Muralitharan: A record breaking Sri Lankan spinner with many wickets, yet he did not manage all ten in a single innings.

Common Pitfalls:

Some candidates remember Kumble’s achievement clearly and rush to choose his name without noticing that the question asks for the first player to do it. Others may pick Muralitharan because of his overall wicket tally. Reading the question carefully and paying attention to phrases like first or most important is crucial in record based sports questions.

Final Answer:

The first cricketer to take all ten wickets in a Test innings was Jim Laker.