Complete list of top 5 bowlers with most wickets in ICC WTC history ft. Mitchell Starc

The ICC World Test Championship (WTC) was introduced in 2019, with the aim of making Test cricket more competitive and giving every match greater importance. New Zealand won the first WTC title in 2021, while Australia lifted the trophy in 2023.

The WTC is played over a two-year cycle, with teams earning points from every Test match. The tournament has also encouraged teams to prepare competitive pitches that provide assistance to bowlers and increase the chances of a result.

Mitchell Starc, Australia’s premier fast bowler, has become the highest wicket-taker in WTC history. He achieved the milestone during the second Test against Bangladesh in Mackay, where he produced a brilliant spell of 6/12 to help Australia bowl Bangladesh out for just 64 runs.

With Starc reaching the top of the wicket-takers' list, several other bowlers have also made a big impact in the WTC. In this article, we take a look at the top five bowlers with the most wickets in ICC World Test Championship history.

5. Jasprit Bumrah (India, 185 Wickets)

Indian fast bowler Jasprit Bumrah stands fifth on the list of bowlers with the most wickets in ICC World Test Championship history. He has taken 185 wickets in 42 WTC matches at an excellent average of 19.23.

Bumrah made his Test debut in 2018 and has been one of India’s most reliable bowlers in both home and away conditions. In the WTC, he has taken 13 five-wicket hauls, with his best bowling figures being 6/27. He has bowled 1,269.1 overs and conceded 3,558 runs.

Bumrah has played a key role in India’s success in the WTC, including their appearances in two WTC finals. He was also the Player of the Series during India’s 2023-24 Test tour of South Africa and produced several memorable performances in the Border-Gavaskar Trophy.

4. Ravichandran Ashwin (India, 195 Wickets)

Indian spin legend Ravichandran Ashwin ranks fourth on the list of bowlers with the most wickets in ICC World Test Championship history. He took 195 wickets in 41 WTC matches at an average of 21.49 before retiring from international cricket in December 2024.

Ashwin bowled 1,479 overs and conceded 4,191 runs during his WTC career. He also recorded 11 five-wicket hauls, with his best figures being 7/71. His economy rate was an impressive 2.83 runs per over.

Ashwin played a key role in India’s WTC campaigns and was one of their most reliable bowlers. His ability to take wickets consistently made him one of the most successful spinners in WTC history before he brought his international career to an end.

3. Nathan Lyon (Australia, 225 Wickets)

Australian off-spinner Nathan Lyon ranks third on the list of bowlers with the most wickets in ICC World Test Championship history. He has been one of Australia’s most important Test bowlers over the past decade and is widely regarded as one of the country’s greatest spinners.

In 57 WTC Tests, Lyon has taken 225 wickets at an average of 27.40. He has bowled 2,190.3 overs and conceded 6,165 runs. Lyon has also recorded 13 five-wicket hauls and 10 ten-wicket match hauls, with his best innings figures being 8/64.

Lyon has played a major role in Australia’s success in Test cricket and has consistently delivered important performances in the WTC. His ability to take wickets in different conditions has made him one of the most successful bowlers in WTC history.

2. Pat Cummins (Australia, 225 Wickets)

Australian Test captain Pat Cummins ranks second among the leading wicket-takers in ICC World Test Championship history. He has taken 225 wickets in 54 WTC matches at an average of 22.11, with his best bowling figures being 6/28.

Cummins has bowled 1,702 overs and conceded 4,976 runs in the WTC. He has also recorded 10 five-wicket hauls and 10 ten-wicket match hauls. His economy rate stands at 2.92 runs per over, highlighting his consistency with the ball.

Cummins has been one of the world's leading fast bowlers since returning to international cricket in 2017. His performances as a bowler and captain played a major role in Australia winning the second ICC World Test Championship title in 2023.

1. Mitchell Starc (Australia, 230 Wickets)

Australian fast bowler Mitchell Starc ranks first on the list of bowlers with the most wickets in ICC World Test Championship history. He has been one of the most dangerous pacers in Test cricket and played a key role in Australia’s success during the 2021-23 WTC cycle.

Starc has taken 230 wickets in 56 WTC matches at an average of 24.50. He has bowled 1,620.1 overs and conceded 5,636 runs. His best bowling figures are 7/58, while he has also recorded 10 five-wicket hauls and 8 ten-wicket match hauls.

Starc has been an important part of Australia’s strong performances in the WTC. His pace, swing and ability to take wickets at crucial moments have made him one of the leading bowlers in the tournament’s history. With his WTC career still continuing, his wicket tally could rise further.