Winning the Player-of-the-Series award in Test cricket proves that a player delivered strong performances throughout a series, not just in one match. Many players have earned this award multiple times, showing their long-term contribution to their teams. In this article, we highlight the cricketers with the most Player of the Series awards in Test matches ranked from 10 to 1 and also include the Player of the Series in the World keyword for better focus and reach.
List of 10 Most Player of the Series Winners in Test History
10. Curtly Ambrose

Curtly Ambrose, known for his silent personality but fierce bowling, dominated Test cricket in the 1990s. His fast, accurate bowling helped West Indies win crucial games. He remained consistent throughout series, often making batters struggle. He received the Player-of-the-Series award six times for his match-winning spells. He may have been a bowler, but in an era filled with Player of the Series, Ambrose stood as a symbol of fear for any batter.
Player | Span | Matches | Series | Awards |
---|---|---|---|---|
CEL Ambrose | 1988–2000 | 98 | 27 | 6 |
9. Malcolm Marshall

Malcolm Marshall is often mentioned when discussing the greatest fast bowlers in history. His ability to move the ball both ways and bowl with great control made him a consistent threat. Winning six Player-of-the-Series awards shows how dominant he was. Even against the Player of the Series, Marshall often came out on top, delivering game-changing performances.
Player | Span | Matches | Series | Awards |
---|---|---|---|---|
MD Marshall | 1978–1991 | 81 | 21 | 6 |
READ MORE: Top 10 Indian Cricketers with the Most Ducks in Test History
8. Shivnarine Chanderpaul

Shivnarine Chanderpaul was a key part of the West Indies Test team for over 20 years. With his unusual batting style, he remained one of the Player of the Series, especially when his team was under pressure. He won seven Player-of-the-Series awards, reflecting his ability to rescue his side with solid and patient innings.
Player | Span | Matches | Series | Awards |
---|---|---|---|---|
S Chanderpaul | 1994–2015 | 164 | 60 | 7 |
7. Wasim Akram

Wasim Akram was a rare talent with the ball and a reliable lower-order batter. He had the ability to change a match with his swing bowling. His seven Player-of-the-Series wins show how often he led Pakistan to success. Even in series where some of the Player of the Series played, Wasim stood tall with his unmatched skills and all-round impact.
Player | Span | Matches | Series | Awards |
---|---|---|---|---|
Wasim Akram | 1985–2002 | 104 | 43 | 7 |
6. Shane Warne

Shane Warne revived the art of leg-spin at a time when it was fading from Test cricket. His tricks, variations, and cricket brain helped him win eight Player-of-the-Series titles. He regularly outfoxed even the Player of the Series with his clever bowling. His contribution helped Australia remain dominant during his career.
Player | Span | Matches | Series | Awards |
---|---|---|---|---|
SK Warne | 1992–2007 | 145 | 46 | 8 |
5. Sir Richard Hadlee

Sir Richard Hadlee was the backbone of New Zealand cricket during his era. With both ball and bat, he contributed heavily. His eight Player-of-the-Series awards reflect his match-winning ability. He could dismiss the Player of the Series with ease and also score important runs when needed, making him a complete all-rounder.
Player | Span | Matches | Series | Awards |
---|---|---|---|---|
RJ Hadlee | 1973–1990 | 86 | 33 | 8 |
4. Imran Khan

Imran Khan was not just a world-class all-rounder but also a great leader. He played a crucial role in Pakistan’s growth in Test cricket. His ability to perform in crunch moments helped him win eight Player-of-the-Series titles. He often challenged thePlayer of the Series, especially in away conditions, and delivered when it mattered most.
Player | Span | Matches | Series | Awards |
---|---|---|---|---|
Imran Khan | 1971–1992 | 88 | 28 | 8 |
3. Jacques Kallis

Jacques Kallis is one of the greatest all-rounders in Test history. His batting was as strong as his bowling, making him a massive asset for South Africa. Winning nine Player-of-the-Series awards proves how dependable he was. Even among the Player of the Series, Kallis’s name often comes up because of his solid technique and ability to handle pressure.
Player | Span | Matches | Series | Awards |
---|---|---|---|---|
JH Kallis | 1995–2013 | 166 | 61 | 9 |
2. Muttiah Muralitharan

Muttiah Muralitharan’s name is always at the top when talking about spin bowling. He holds the record for most wickets in Test history and won 11 Player-of-the-Series awards. He often took five or more wickets in a match, even against the Player of the Series, who had no answers to his spin and control.
Player | Span | Matches | Series | Awards |
---|---|---|---|---|
M Muralitharan | 1992–2010 | 133 | 61 | 11 |
READ MORE: Top 10 Highest Scorers on Test Debut in Cricket History
1. Ravichandran Ashwin

Ravichandran Ashwin leads this list with 11 Player-of-the-Series awards. He is India’s main spinner in Test cricket and a dependable lower-order batter. His clever bowling and smart strategies helped India win many matches. He’s regularly tested some of the Player of the Series and often comes out successful. Ashwin’s consistency and all-round impact make him a legend in modern-day Test cricket.
Player | Span | Matches | Series | Awards |
---|---|---|---|---|
R Ashwin | 2011–2024 | 106 | 44 | 11 |
These ten cricketers showed long-term excellence in Test cricket. Their multiple Player-of-the-Series awards are proof of how often they performed better than others, even when playing alongside or against the Player of the Series. Their contributions shaped the outcomes of many series, and their legacies continue to inspire future generations.