The cricket world is full of great fast bowlers right now, especially in Test cricket. Although former players like Kevin Pietersen think the current bowlers are less effective than those from the past, this is a personal opinion. Since playing conditions and styles have changed a lot over the years, it is not fair to say the current players are worse than the older ones.

No matter how the game changes, fast bowlers will always be important in the team. They can make a big impact with the new ball, rough up the old ball for the spinners, and use reverse swing. These are just some reasons why fast bowlers are necessary and cannot be left out. With that said, let’s rank the world’s 10 best Test bowlers after the ENG vs IND 2025 series.

10. Marco Jansen 

Marco Jansen from South Africa is a true all-round player. He can bowl fast, with good bounce and swing. He can also score important runs in the lower-middle order. The tall left-handed pacer is strong with the ball because he gets pace and bounce. He can also hit the ball well, making him a threat as a batsman. Jansen made his Test debut against India in the Boxing Day Test in 2021. He was the first player born in the 2000s to play for South Africa. Jansen made a big impact by taking 7 wickets for just 13 runs. He has the best bowling figures by a pacer in World Test Championship (WTC) history.

In Test cricket, he has bowled 488.1 overs and given away 1696 runs. He has taken 77 wickets with an average of 22.03. He has taken five wickets in an innings three times and ten wickets in a match once. His best bowling in an innings is 7 wickets for 13 runs, and his best in a match is 11 wickets for 86 runs. His economy rate is 3.47, and his strike rate is 38.04.

09. Jayden Seales

Seales is one of the few good players for the West Indies during a tough time in Test cricket. The right-arm fast bowler has been one of the best for his team since he came back in 2024 after being away for two years. He played very well in the England tour in 2024, taking 13 wickets in three Tests. He was the top wicket-taker for the visitors, with an average of 27.23.

Since then, Seales has been very consistent. He took his best six wickets in one innings against South Africa and performed very well against Bangladesh. He was also the joint second-highest wicket-taker for West Indies in their 0-3 loss against Australia at home. After that, he moved up to 11th place in the rankings.

08.  Matt Henry

Matt Henry is now the main bowler for New Zealand after playing a supporting role for many years. With a good mix of experience and skill, he finished the last WTC cycle as the eighth-highest wicket-taker among fast bowlers. The right-arm bowler recently took 16 wickets in the 2-0 series win against Zimbabwe, which helped him reach fourth place in the ICC Test Rankings for bowlers. He played a big part in New Zealand’s famous 3-0 win against India in spin-friendly conditions. Before that, he also had an important series against Australia at home.

07. Gus Atkinson

The right-arm pacer showed how much England missed him during most of the 2025 Anderson-Tendulkar series by taking eight wickets after returning from injury. Atkinson’s role in red-ball cricket became very important for England after James Anderson and Stuart Broad retired. He made a big impact right away, taking ten wickets on his debut at Lord’s. He finished the 2024 home series against the West Indies as the top wicket-taker with 22 wickets. Atkinson kept playing well during the rest of the home season and stayed consistent in away games in Pakistan and New Zealand. The England pacer is now ranked 11th in the world and is expected to play an important role in the upcoming 2025-26 Ashes series.

06. Mohammed Siraj

Mohammed Siraj is the man of the moment. People talk a lot about his workload, but what matters most is his skill. The right-arm pacer has quickly risen in red-ball cricket and is now the main bowler for India during a time of change. Siraj has worked hard on his skills and has become a big threat to opponents. Taking more than 20 wickets in Australia and England in back-to-back series helped him reach a career-best 15th place in the rankings, and he will likely go higher.

05.  Mitchell Starc

The experienced left-arm bowler took wickets easily in the recent three-match series against the West Indies in the Caribbean. He was the top wicket-taker for Australia with 15 wickets, including an amazing 6 for 9 that helped bowl out the West Indies for just 27 runs. Starc, who recently played his 100th Test, showed he is still one of the best fast bowlers in the world. His pace, power, and skill have not dropped, and he remains one of the top pacers today.

04. Josh Hazlewood

Despite injuries, Josh Hazlewood has stayed in the top five of the ICC Test Rankings. When fit, he always returns to the team. The right-arm bowler is known for bowling in the right spot and getting good bounce, which troubles many teams, especially in Australia. He had a quiet Border-Gavaskar series and WTC Final, but he is still a strong threat. Hazlewood will be one of the biggest dangers to England in the upcoming Ashes.

03. Kagiso Rabada

Rabada is the main bowler for South Africa and one of the best fast bowlers today. His historic nine-wicket haul at Lord’s helped South Africa win the mace, putting his name among the greats. He bowls with real pace and strong intensity, along with great skill. Rabada is now the world’s second-ranked bowler after his great performance in the WTC Final. South Africa will rely on him to play well again to keep their title.

02. Pat Cummins

The Australian captain fought a great battle against Rabada in the WTC Final. Both showed they are two of the best bowlers, with almost no difference between them. After Rabada took five wickets in the first innings, Cummins answered with six wickets of his own. He also played well against India in the Border-Gavaskar Trophy and was the leading wicket-taker in the 2023-25 WTC cycle.

01.  Jasprit Bumrah

Jasprit Bumrah is rightly the No. 1 bowler in the world and is in a class of his own. Although people talk about his workload, it does not take away from what he has done and will do. In recent years, Bumrah has become a new, better version of himself, performing at his best in all conditions. In the last WTC cycle, he took 77 wickets in 15 matches with an amazing average of just 15.06.

Kagiso Rabada is urging South Africa to move beyond the euphoria of their ICC World Test Championship (WTC) triumph and focus on adding more silverware to the trophy cabinet. The pace spearhead was instrumental in the Proteas’ historic victory over Australia at Lord’s in June, claiming nine wickets in the final to end the country’s long drought in major ICC tournaments.

“It was special, and I’ve done so many interviews on that since,” Rabada said ahead of South Africa’s limited-overs series in Australia. “I think it’s time to move on. We’ll never forget that as a team, and South Africa won’t either, but now the show moves on.”

That next chapter begins in Darwin on Sunday, with the first of three T20Is against Australia, followed by three ODIs later this month. Rabada, 30, returns to action after a lengthy break since the WTC final, refreshed and ready to lead the attack. “Thankfully, I’ve had quite a long break. Maintenance work has been important because the cricket schedule is packed,” he explained.

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Rabada Eyes Future Glory, Embraces Australia Rivalry, and Mentors Next Generation

With the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup being in India and Sri Lanka next year and the 2027 ODI World Cup being co-hosted in South Africa, Zimbabwe, and Namibia, Rabada views the forthcoming matches as a valuable opportunity to gain experience. "The mindset is going to be changed a bit now. We're not worried about anything," he said.

Rabada also savours the fact that they are always up against Australia, who seem to make us play our best. “It’s always hard cricket, good cricket. They are always in our face, and I think we like it,” he said, smiling.

As somebody who is now considered quite senior in the team, Rabada will also help others, such as teenage fast-bowling talent Kwena Maphaka." I feel obliged to mentor them. Of course, they will learn through their own experiences; we just act as a sounding board for them." For Rabada, the warning is clear: enjoy the past but focus ahead on the next trophy.

The 2025–27 ICC World Test Championship had its second draw, as India and England concluded a stalemate in the fourth Test at Old Trafford, Manchester, on Sunday, July 27. On Day 4, India was in the driver’s seat as the match was at a stalemate, but their performance with the bat on Day 4 wouldn’t let that happen as KL Rahul and Shubman Gill created a gritty resistance. This laid a wonderful foundation for an extraordinary day of play on Day 5, where India, down a great deal in the match, batted the day out and secured an unlikely draw. 

India would lose a mere two wickets on the final day, as Shubman Gill, Washington Sundar, and Ravindra Jadeja all stood unbeaten with centuries, and secured the match draw. Although England hoped to wrap up the Test in the final session and rest their exhausted bowlers, India refused to declare, allowing their all-rounders to complete their tons. The Test ended on a slightly tense note, with India closing their second innings at 425/4, capping off an unexpected escape from a likely defeat.

See Also: ENG vs IND 4th Test Day 5: Highlights and Scoreboard

Before the fourth Test, India sat fourth in the WTC table with one win and two losses, holding a 33.33% win percentage. England, leading the series 2-1, were third with 61.11% despite losing points earlier due to a slow over rate at Lord's. The draw earned both teams four points each, keeping India at fourth with 16 points and an unchanged win percentage. England now have 26 points, but their win percentage has dropped slightly to 54.17, due to their second draw since 2022.

Updated WTC points table after #ENGvsIND 4th test pic.twitter.com/oAUEpuGq41

— Anu 👰 (@Was_Ananya29_) July 27, 2025

India and England head to the Oval for the ENG vs IND 2025 5th Test

Team India’s remarkable resistance on Days 4 and 5 ensured the series remains alive, giving them a chance to level the five-match series 2-2. With momentum on their side, the Men in Blue will look to push for a victory in the fifth and final Test at The Oval, which begins on Thursday, July 31. The draw at Old Trafford has injected new life into the contest, setting up a thrilling finale as India aim to cap off their comeback with a series-leveling performance in the English capital.

However, India’s hopes are tempered by a growing injury and fitness crisis within the squad. Jasprit Bumrah has already completed his scheduled three-Test workload and appeared fatigued during the fourth match. Meanwhile, Mohammed Siraj and Rishabh Pant struggled with injuries and discomfort throughout the game, casting doubt over their availability for the decider. These setbacks pose significant challenges for the team as they prepare to field a competitive side for the high-stakes clash at The Oval.

Pakistan is set to tour England in the summer of 2026 for a highly anticipated three-match Test series, the England and Wales Cricket Board (ECB) confirmed on Thursday. The red-ball series will form part of the ICC World Test Championship 2025–27 cycle and will be played across three iconic venues in August and September.

The opening Test will be held at Headingley in Leeds from 19 to 23 August, followed by the second Test at Lord’s in London from 27 to 31 August. The tour will conclude with the third and final Test at Edgbaston in Birmingham from 9 to 13 September. All matches are scheduled to start at 3:00 PM Pakistan Standard Time (PKT).

This will be Pakistan’s fourth Test series in England since 2016 and the 29th bilateral Test series between the two sides since they first met in 1954. With a rich history between the two teams and the matches being played at venues deeply woven into cricketing folklore, fans on both sides are eagerly looking forward to a high-quality contest.

Shaheen's Tour Lays Foundation as England Gears Up for Blockbuster 2026 Summer

Currently, Pakistan Shaheens, the country’s A team, are on a developmental tour in England, participating in 50-over and three-day matches. That series is expected to further build depth ahead of the senior side's return in 2026.

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For England, the tour of Pakistan is just one of the more full on international summer of 2026, with visits from New Zealand, India, Sri Lanka, and women’s series against New Zealand, India, and Ireland, and topped off by the ICC Women’s T20 World Cup 2026 which England host between 12 June and 15 July.

The Test series in 2026 will add another compelling chapter to the traditional rivalry between England and Pakistan, with important World Test Championship points at stake and fierce and passionate crowds expected at all of the venues.

Pakistan Tour of England – 2026 Test Series Schedule 

The International Cricket Council (ICC) is preparing to reveal a two-division system for its next World Test Championship (WTC) cycle for 2027-29, a move which may change the future of Test cricket. This structure will see 12 full-member nations split into two divisions of six members each with Pakistan, West Indies, Bangladesh, Zimbabwe, Afghanistan, and Ireland being suggested as the bottom six teams in division two based on current ICC rankings.

The announcement followed the ICC’s Annual General Meeting in Singapore the first under the new all-Indian leadership of Chair Jay Shah and CEO Sanjog Gupta. Gupta, a former JioStar executive, will also chair the eight-member working group responsible for detailing the new system, which is expected to be finalized by the end of 2025.

Proposed Divisions (2027–29 WTC Cycle)

• Division 1: India, Australia, England, South Africa, New Zealand, Sri Lanka
  
• Division 2: Pakistan, West Indies, Bangladesh, Zimbabwe, Afghanistan, Ireland
  

A New Era for Test Cricket

This move is largely viewed as representing one of the biggest structural reconfigurations in the 133 year history of international cricket. What had emerged during meetings between Cricket Australia (CA) and the England and Wales Cricket Board (ECB) earlier this year was a vision to provide more competitive matches, create more regular series between the top teams and have more global responsibility to stakeholders.

Australia, the major supporter of the model, lobbied to include that top teams should play against each other, twice in every three year cycle, mostly to increase competition and broadcast value. The ECB had their reluctance to support the proposal by arguing that the plan could increase the gap both financially and competitively between the richest and professionalised cricket nations, and the developing cricket nations.

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Two-division Test cricket from 2027and finals in England

A key sticking point will be the promotion and relegation system, as well as how to prevent lower-ranked nations from being permanently sidelined. There is speculation that the ICC may offer enhanced financial packages to Division 2 teams to help sustain competitiveness and infrastructure.

Critics fear that teams like Pakistan, historically strong and deeply rooted in the game’s tradition, might find themselves marginalized if stuck in Division 2. Supporters argue, however, that the format rewards performance and long-term consistency and offers every nation a clear pathway back to the top.

In another major announcement, the ICC confirmed that England will host the next three World Test Championship finals, maintaining a trend that began with the inaugural WTC final in 2021. The most recent final at Lord’s saw South Africa crowned champions, defeating defending champions Australia.

T20 Champions League Revival?

The ICC also expressed interest in resurrecting a Champions League style T20 tournament, involving the best franchises of the IPL, the Hundred and Australia's Big Bash League. However, as yet no official proposal has been put forward, partly due to the more complicated ownership structures, and the difficulties of scheduling across all three competitions, to allow a players to return to their home country.

Given T20 players now playing for multiple franchises globally, there will also be a lack of clarity about player eligibility and representation issues. A 2027 launch is under serious consideration, which suggests the working group may have tied the proposal to when the ICC's current $3 billion broadcast deal with Disney Star expires.

This potential reorganization represents an important moment for global cricket, which could see increased intensity in the upper-level competition, but also raises significant questions about inclusion, equity and player development long term. Whether this radical change will be a success, or not, may depend on how the ICC manages competition with collaboration amongst it's members.

The International Cricket Council (ICC) has made a primary decision on the next three Final venues of the ICC World Test Championship (WTC), and it is surely not good news for Indian cricket. 

The ICC has awarded England to host the next three ICC WTC Finals, which will be played in 2027, 2029, and 2031. The England and Wales Cricket Board (ECB) successfully hosted the first three WTC Finals. Southampton hosted the inaugural WTC Final in 2021, where New Zealand won the first WTC mace after beating India in the Final.

The Oval hosted the second WTC Final between India and Australia in 2023, and Australia won that mace. Last June, Lord's hosted the third WTC Final (2025), where South Africa faced the defending champions and won the mace for the first time to end their 26-year drought of an ICC trophy.  

See Also: Upcoming ICC tournaments from 2026 to 2031: Check hosts, tournament type, and year

Next 3 ICC WTC Finals: India and other nations once again ignored

As the ECB successfully hosted the first three WTC finals, it is no shocker that the ICC has awarded the next three WTC Finals to them. The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) was interested in organising any of the next WTC Finals, but it seems far away from the dream.  

The ICC officially stated, "The Board also confirmed the awarding of hosting rights for the ICC World Test Championship Finals for the 2027, 2029, and 2031 editions to the England and Wales Cricket Board, following a successful track record in hosting recent finals."

Lord's has already been planned for the WTC Final 2027. So, the latest ICC meeting has brought the decision of the hosting nation for the ICC WTC Final 2029 and 2031. 

Why has England been preferred for the WTC Finals?

While the WTC Final has generally been played in June, England is one of the best places to host it at this time. Meanwhile, June is a rainy season for most of the Indian states, which makes it tougher for the country to host the big tournament.

Team England have sacrificed two points of the current World Test Championship circle for their slow over rate in their recently concluded match against India at Lord's. The step was taken against Ben Stokes and Co. because of the slow over rate within the time allowed to conclude a target number of overs.

England has docked a couple of WTC points under Article 16.11.2 of the ICC World Test Championship playing conditions, by which a side is penalized one point for each over short, and after time allowances were taken into consideration. For which, England now slipped to the third place from second in the WTC points tally. Sri Lanka took second place, and Australia remained as the table topper.

The charges were levelled by on-field umpires Paul Reiffel and Sharfuddoula Ibne Shahid, third umpire Ahsan Raza, and fourth umpire Graham Lloyd. According to an official release by ICC, "England's tally in the World Test Championship standings dropped from 24 to 22 out of 36 points, consequently reducing their point percentage from 66.67% to 61.11%."

Read More: Watch: Mohammed Siraj's unlucky dismissal vs England in today's ENG vs IND 3rd Test match

Also fined 10%

Additionally, according to rules, they were also fined 10 percent of their match fee; this came under Article 2.22 of the ICC Code of Conduct for Players and Player Support Personnel. According to this ICC rule, players are fined five percent of their match fee for every over their side fails to bowl in the allotted time. England captain Ben Stokes accepted the proposed sanction imposed by Richie Richardson of the ICC Elite Panel of Match Referees. 

The England vs. India match at Lord's witnessed multiple dramatic moments. The match got more intense after Day 3. With identical scores in the first innings, England offered a target of 193 runs to India. The conclusion of the game went down on the 5th day, where India's batting order tumbled and fell apart. England eventually held their nerve strong to steal a thrilling 22-run victory. With that win, the home team now leads the ongoing 5-match Anderson-Tendulkar trophy by 2-1.

Still recovering from a recent finger injury, Steve Smith marked a strong return to form with a vital 43rd Test half-century, guiding Australia out of early trouble on Day 3 of the second Test against the West Indies in Grenada.

Coming to the crease with Australia reeling at 2/12 and under pressure after a first-innings collapse, Smith showcased his trademark composure and class to remain firm in testing conditions. His unbeaten 70 at tea – eventually ending on 71 – was central to Australia’s push for a defendable total, helping the tourists reach 192/6 and stretch their lead to 225 runs.

Smith, who was dismissed for just 3 in the first innings, looked far more settled on his second outing. Despite a brief lbw scare just before lunch, he weathered the West Indies’ attack with poise, striking seven boundaries and a six in his 119-ball knock. His 93-run stand with Cameron Green proved to be the cornerstone of Australia’s innings.

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Smith stands tall as Australia recover from shaky start in Grenada

Green, batting at No. 3 once again, made a patient 52 off 123 deliveries before misjudging a Shamar Joseph delivery and chopping it onto his stumps. It was a disappointing end for the young all-rounder, who had batted with maturity during the rain-hit morning session.

Earlier, nightwatchman Nathan Lyon did his job admirably, lasting close to two hours and frustrating the West Indies with a gritty 8 off 33 balls. Lyon’s efforts helped provide stability and allowed Green and Smith to consolidate.

Travis Head (31*) and Alex Carey (11*) continued the positive momentum after Smith’s dismissal to push the lead past 220, setting up Australia for a potential series-clinching win. The visitors hold a 1-0 lead in the three-match series after a convincing win in the first Test at Barbados.

While questions remain over the form of openers Usman Khawaja and debutant Sam Konstas, who both fell cheaply again, Smith’s return to form will come as a massive boost for Pat Cummins’ side as they eye victory at the unfamiliar National Stadium in St George’s.

Team India’s star all-rounder Ravindra Jadeja has written his name in the history books with a brilliant 89-run knock against England. He is once again making headlines — this time for a record-breaking performance in the second Test at Edgbaston. Jadeja’s superb innings of 89 runs in the first innings not only helped India take a strong position but also gave him a special milestone in World Test Championship (WTC) history.

He became the first player in the world to score 2000 runs and take 100 wickets in the World Test Championship. The 36-year-old all-rounder from Jamnagar, who has taken 132 wickets in 41 WTC matches so far, completed 2000 runs for India in the WTC on Thursday.

Jadeja needed 79 runs in the first innings of the 2nd Test between India and England, currently being played at Edgbaston in Birmingham, to reach this milestone. He achieved it during the morning session on Day 2.

A total of 15 players have taken more than 100 wickets, and 26 players have scored more than 2000 runs in the WTC. But world No. 1 Test all-rounder Ravindra Jadeja is the only player to appear in both lists.

The Indian all-rounder is now the fifth Indian batter to score 2000 or more runs in the World Test Championship (WTC). He joins the list after Rohit Sharma (2716), Virat Kohli (2617), Rishabh Pant (2529), and Shubman Gill (2216*). Jadeja had already reached the 100-wicket mark earlier, and during his solid innings at Edgbaston, he completed the double. This makes him the only cricketer in the world to achieve this rare feat since the WTC began.

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In the WTC, Jadeja has scored 2010 runs in 61 innings across 41 matches. He has three centuries and 13 half-centuries to his name. With the ball, he has taken 132 wickets, including six five-wicket hauls and six four-wicket hauls.

Here are the top run-scorers for India in WTC: Rohit Sharma (2716), Virat Kohli (2617), Rishabh Pant (2529), Shubman Gill (2216*), Ravindra Jadeja (2010), Yashasvi Jaiswal (1990), Cheteshwar Pujara (1769), Ajinkya Rahane (1589), KL Rahul (1533), and Mayank Agarwal (1293).

RAVINDRA JADEJA IS THE ONLY CRICKETER TO HAVE 2000+ RUNS & 100+ WICKETS IN WTC HISTORY 🤯 pic.twitter.com/Vac10gHck7

— Johns. (@CricCrazyJohns) July 4, 2025

In terms of wickets, the top Indian bowlers in the WTC are Ravichandran Ashwin (195), Jasprit Bumrah (161), Ravindra Jadeja (132), Mohammed Siraj (102), and Mohammed Shami (85). So far in WTC history, only two Indian players — Ravindra Jadeja and Ravichandran Ashwin — have scored more than 1000 runs and taken 100 or more wickets.

Notably, England captain Ben Stokes has scored over 2000 runs in the World Test Championship but remains behind in bowling with only 86 wickets. Jadeja, on the other hand, now stands in a league of his own. Many believe he is truly a once-in-a-generation all-rounder.

Wisden has revealed its current World Test XI based on performances since the start of the 2023–25 ICC World Test Championship cycle. The side, selected on the basis of stats, match impact, and consistency across conditions, features players from five different nations, including four Indians, three Englishmen, two Australians, and one each from New Zealand and South Africa.

Leading the opening combination is India’s Yashasvi Jaiswal, who has had a dream start to his Test career. With 1,903 runs in 20 matches at an average of 52.86, including five centuries, Jaiswal has proven his class in all conditions. Partnering him is England’s aggressive opener Ben Duckett, who has scored 1,821 runs at a strike rate of 85.05, the highest among regular top-order batters.

At No.3 is Australian stalwart Steve Smith, followed by England’s Joe Root at No.4. Root, with 2,083 runs at an average of 54.81, is currently the top-ranked Test batter in the world. Young gun Harry Brook, also from England, occupies the No.5 spot thanks to his average of over 50 and consistent performances since his debut.

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Pant, Jadeja, Bumrah Headline Bowling-Dominant Lower Order in Wisden’s Test XI

India’s Rishabh Pant takes the gloves and the No.6 spot. With 929 runs in just 11 matches, including two centuries at Headingley alone, Pant’s explosive ability and wicketkeeping prowess make him a clear choice. Ravindra Jadeja, also from India, slots in at No.7 as the all-rounder, with 700 runs and 56 wickets since 2023.

The bowling attack is led by New Zealand’s Matt Henry, whose 48 wickets in just nine Tests at an average under 19 make him an automatic pick. South African speedster Kagiso Rabada, India's Jasprit Bumrah with a staggering 82 wickets at 15.87, and Australia’s off-spinner Nathan Lyon complete the XI.

Wisden’s current World Test XI:

Yashasvi Jaiswal, Ben Duckett, Steve Smith, Joe Root, Harry Brook, Rishabh Pant (wk), Ravindra Jadeja, Matt Henry, Kagiso Rabada, Jasprit Bumrah, Nathan Lyon.