One of England’s youngest first-class cricket clubs, Durham County Cricket Club, has built a strong identity through its bowling excellence.
First-class cricket means multi-day matches at the top domestic level. Wickets taken in these games are a key measure of a bowler’s skill and impact.
This article ranks the top 10 players with the most first-class wickets for Durham from 2002 to 2025, a modern era of rapid growth for the club.
Whether you’re a global cricket fan, journalist, or Durham supporter, these stats and stories offer insight into the best bowlers in Durham history.
Top 10 Players With Most First-Class Wickets for Durham (2002–2025)
From 2002 to 2025, Durham built its reputation on bowling strength.
Below are the top 10 players with the most first-class wickets for Durham, ranked by total dismissals in multi-day matches.
These are the names behind some of the club’s most defining moments in red-ball cricket.
| Rank | Player Name | Playing Span | Total Wickets |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Chris Rushworth | 2010–2022 | 598 |
| 2 | Graham Onions | 2004–2017 | 527 |
| 3 | Steve Harmison | 2000–2012 | 343 |
| 4 | Ben Raine | 2011–2025 | 284 |
| 5 | Liam Plunkett | 2003–2012 | 263 |
| 6 | Callum Thorp | 2005–2013 | 257 |
| 7 | Mark Davies | 2002–2010 | 236 |
| 8 | Matthew Potts | 2017–2025 | 212 |
| 9 | Scott Borthwick | 2009–2024 | 192 |
| 10 | Ben Stokes | 2010–2024 | 189 |
These 10 bowlers collectively represent the core of Durham’s first-class success and highlight why the club is known for producing some of the best bowlers in Durham history.
1. Chris Rushworth
| Total Wickets | 598 |
| Playing Span | 2010–2022 |
| Matches Played | 153 |
| Best Innings | 9/52 |
| Maidens | 1082 |
Chris Rushworth is Durham’s leading wicket-taker in first-class cricket, with 598 wickets between 2010 and 2022. Born in Sunderland, he bowled right-arm fast-medium with trademark control and consistency.
His path to success wasn’t easy. After being released early in his career, Rushworth worked regular jobs before forcing his way back into the Durham County Cricket Club side.
By the figure of 15 for 95, Rushworth made history in 2024, and it’s still a club record. One of the best bowling spells in Durham history, he remains for 9/52 against Northamptonshire.
Rushworth’s style was relentless rather than bold. His stamina, skill, and story made him a symbol of Durham’s bowling tradition and one of the county game’s modern greats.
2. Graham Onions
| Total Wickets | 527 |
| Playing Span | 2004–2017 |
| Matches Played | 138 |
| Best Innings | 9/67 |
| Maidens | 831 |
Graham Onions was a key figure in Durham’s Golden Era. From Gateshead, a right-arm medium-fast bowler, who combined by classic seam technique with savage determination.
Onions took 527 first-class wickets for Durham, often leading the attack with precision and heart.
His 9/67 against Nottinghamshire stands as one of the best bowling performances in Durham County Cricket Club history. Despite serious back injuries, he bounced back and helped deliver County Championship titles in 2008 and 2013.
Onions also earned Test caps for England and made headlines for his heroics with both ball and bat. His story is one of resilience, loyalty, and lasting impact on Durham’s bowling legacy.
3. Steve Harmison
| Total Wickets | 343 |
| Playing Span | 2000–2012 |
| Matches Played | 97 |
| Best Innings | 7/29 |
| Maidens | 659 |
Steve Harmison was Durham’s first fast-bowling star. Born in Ashington, he brought genuine pace and bounce to the club at a time when Durham was still building its identity.
He claimed 343 first-class wickets for Durham between 2000 and 2012. His best figures, 7 for 29, showed how dangerous he could be on responsive pitches.
Harmison played a big role in Durham’s County Championship wins in 2008 and 2009. He led the attack and often delivered in high-pressure games.
Steve known for his 7 for 12 for England in Jamaica, his roots were always in Durham, where his bowling helped shape the club’s future.
4. Ben Raine
| Total Wickets | 284 |
| Playing Span | 2011–2025 |
| Matches Played | 81 |
| Best Innings | 6/27 |
| Maidens | 643 |
Ben Raine is a key part of Durham’s modern bowling attack. Born in Sunderland, he bowls right-arm medium-fast and is known for his accuracy, control, and hard work.
After starting at Durham, Raine moved to Leicestershire to find more chances. He returned in 2018 and has been one of Durham’s most consistent performers ever since.
With 60 wickets in 2023, he topped Division Two’s wicket charts, helping Durham earn promotion. 6 for 27 is the best first-class figure of his.
Still playing, Raine has already taken 284 first-class wickets for Durham, and is on track to rise higher in the club’s bowling records.
5. Liam Plunkett
| Total Wickets | 263 |
| Playing Span | 2003–2012 |
| Matches Played | 84 |
| Best Innings | 6/63 |
| Maidens | 398 |
Liam Plunkett started his career with Durham as a fast bowler full of promise. He had pace, bounce, and the ability to trouble top-order batters.
He took 263 first-class wickets for Durham, with his best figures being 6 for 63. He played a key role in the club’s first Championship win in 2008.
Plunkett’s form dipped due to injuries, but his early years with Durham showed real impact. He was part of a young, aggressive bowling unit.
Later, he became known for his success with England in white-ball cricket, but Durham was where it all began.
6. Callum Thorp
| Total Wickets | 257 |
| Playing Span | 2005–2013 |
| Matches Played | 88 |
| Best Innings | 7/88 |
| Maidens | 615 |
Callum Thorp was born in Perth, Australia, but played for Durham as a local player because of his British family background. He joined the team in 2004 and became a regular in the bowling attack.
Thorp was a right-arm medium pacer who did well in English conditions. His best moment came in 2008 when he took 7 for 88 to help Durham win their first County Championship.
He wasn’t the fastest bowler, but he was consistent. Thorp often filled in when senior players were away and always did his job with control and discipline.
By the end of his career at Durham, he had taken 257 first-class wickets, playing a key role in one of the club’s most successful periods.
7. Mark Davies
| Total Wickets | 236 |
| Playing Span | 2002–2010 |
| Matches Played | 80 |
| Best Innings | 8/24 |
| Maidens | 574 |
Mark Davies was a medium-paced bowler from Stockton-on-Tees. He played for Durham during the 2000s and became known for his accuracy and quiet consistency, not for speed, but for smart bowling.
In 2004 and 2005, he was at his peak, taking 50 and 47 wickets in back-to-back seasons. His best spell came in 2005 with an incredible 8 for 24. He didn’t bowl fast, but he made life difficult for batters.
Injuries were a big part of his story. Despite long spells on the sidelines, he played a key role in Durham’s 2008 title win, taking 39 wickets at an average of just 15.
He earned an England Test squad call-up in 2009 as injury cover but never got to debut. Still, with 236 first-class wickets for Durham, Davies was a dependable part of their early success.
8. Matthew Potts
| Total Wickets | 212 |
| Playing Span | 2017–2025 |
| Matches Played | 55 |
| Best Innings | 9/68 |
| Maidens | 363 |
Matthew Potts, a Sunderland-born fast-medium bowler, rose quickly through Durham’s academy to become a key figure in their red-ball attack. He made his first-class debut in 2017.
His breakthrough came in 2022, taking 58 wickets in the Championship and earning a Test call-up. He grabbed 20 wickets in his debut England summer, including a memorable 4/13.
Potts is known for steep bounce, sharp spells, and a relentless work ethic. He’s not the fastest, but smart and consistent.
Still just 26, he already has nine five-wicket hauls for Durham and helped secure promotion in 2023. His climb up this list isn’t done yet.
9. Scott Borthwick
| Total Wickets | 192 |
| Playing Span | 2009–2024 |
| Matches Played | 162 |
| Best Innings | 6/70 |
| Maidens | 254 |
Scott Borthwick began as a leg-spinner but became better known as a top-order batter. He made his debut for Durham in 2009 and earned England caps in all three formats by 2014.
Though his Test career was brief, Borthwick became a reliable run-scorer and steady spinner. His best bowling, 6/70, showed his value when called upon.
He helped both Durham and Surrey win County Championship titles, and returned to Durham as captain in 2021. In 2023, he led them back to Division One.
In 2024, Borthwick stepped down from captaincy and took on a player-coach role, showing his long-term commitment to the club.
10. Ben Stokes
| Total Wickets | 189 |
| Playing Span | 2010–2024 |
| Matches Played | 76 |
| Best Innings | 7/67 |
| Maidens | 234 |
Ben Stokes began his first-class journey at Durham, making an early impact by dismissing Mark Ramprakash with just his third ball in 2009. He later became one of England’s greatest allrounders.
Though better known for his batting heroics, Stokes has 189 wickets for Durham in red-ball cricket, often breaking stubborn partnerships with aggressive, short-pitched spells.
His best bowling, 7/67, reflects his knack for turning matches with the ball, even when not fully fit. He brought fire and balance to Durham’s attack.
Still active internationally, Stokes’ role as England Test captain in 2025 shows his journey from Riverside prodigy to global cricket icon.
Bonus: See overseas players who’ve played for Durham and their impact on the club’s bowling history.
Most First-Class Wickets in Global History
England’s Wilfred Rhodes holds the record for the most first-class wickets in history, an incredible 4,204 wickets between 1898 and 1930.
He played in an era with far more matches and fewer competing formats, giving him the volume and time to build such numbers.
Today’s cricketers face a very different game. With busy schedules split between formats and shorter careers, it’s almost impossible for modern bowlers to get close to those historic totals.
That’s what makes Chris Rushworth’s 598 wickets for Durham so special. In an era of limited red-ball cricket, his consistency and durability are truly rare.
Did You Know? Several famous England players came through Durham’s system, highlighting the club’s role in shaping international cricket talent.
Also Checkout:
Conclusion: Chris Rushworth Took the Most First-Class Wickets for Durham
Chris Rushworth’s tally of 598 first-class wickets makes him the undisputed leader in Durham’s red-ball history. His career symbolizes the excellence and resilience that defined a generation of bowlers at the club.
Each name in the top 10 list added something unique, whether it was swing, seam, spin, or sheer determination. Together, they built Durham’s bowling identity across decades of county competition.
Cricket lovers, stat nerds, and Durham fans, bookmark this list, share it, and celebrate the legacy of county cricket’s finest wicket-takers.
FAQs
Ben Raine and Matthew Potts are both active and closing in fast, with the consistency to move higher up.
Chris Rushworth is widely regarded as the most reliable and impactful, leading the club in first-class wickets.
Paul Collingwood holds the record for appearances, combining longevity with all-round excellence.
Durham’s success has often been built on disciplined, home-grown seamers and effective spin options.
Ben Stokes, one of England’s greatest modern all-rounders, began his professional journey at Durham.
