The ICC World Test Championship put Test cricket in a new format where every match had a meaning. In this new era, the impact of bowlers became even more clear. Every team had at least one bowler who could score a breakthrough even under pressure. In this article, we look at the top 5 bowlers who took the most wickets in ICC World Test Championship and bowled match-winning spells for their nation. From Aussie pace battery to Indian spin power, these names were the true heroes of the WTC.
1. Nathan Lyon – Australia’s Silent Killer crosses the milestone of 200+ wickets
- Matches 50 | Wickets 210 |BBI 8/64 | Average 26.85
Nathan Lyon, Australia’s off-spinner bowler, holds the record for the most wickets taker in the WTC. Lyon took 210 wickets in 50 Tests, including a shocking 10 five-wicket hauls and 1 eight-wicket spell throughout the 2019-2025 WTC cycle. Lyon’s bowling style has always been built around consistency and extended stints. He made significant contributions to Australia’s performance in every important World Cup match.
2. Pat Cummins – Captain as well as spearhead
- Matches 47 | Wickets: 200 | BBI 6/91 | Strike Rate 46.07
Aussie skipper Pat Cummins placed second in the list of most wicket takers in WTC. also showed leadership in bowling. He took 200 wickets in just 47 matches. His strike rate was 46, which clearly shows that he can change the game at any time. His line-length and short-ball strategy made him a lethal pacer in the WTC. His name comes in the top 3 in fast bowling.
3. R Ashwin – The Spin King from India, who works on every surface
- Matches 41 | Wickets 195 | BBI 7/71 | 5W Hauls 11
India’s Ravichandran Ashwin created an impact in every cycle of the WTC on the basis of his variations and tactical bowling. 195 wickets with 11 five-fors in 41 Tests prove his dominance. Apart from Asian pitches, he also took wickets in places like Australia and England. Ashwin’s bowling average was just 21.49 – meaning he was both economical and attacking every time.
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4. Mitchell Starc – Left-arm thunder whose pace confused the batsmen
- Matches 45 | Wickets 171 | BBI 6/48 | Economy 3.43
Mitchell Starc’s raw pace and swinging yorkers were his biggest weapons. Starc took 171 wickets in 45 matches in the WTC. His economy rate was 3.43, which shows his attacking nature. Be it taking wickets in the middle overs or turning the game around on the second new ball, Starc played every role.
5. Jasprit Bumrah – India’s X-factor, whose impact was visible on every pitch
- Matches 35 | Wickets 156 | BBI 6/27 | Average 18.61
India’s best bowler, Jasprit Bumrah placed at number five in the most wicket-taker list WTC. He has bowled more impactful spells in fewer matches. He took 156 wickets in just 35 matches with the best bowling average of 18.61. His unique action, deadly yorkers, and controlled aggression made him one of the most dangerous pacers in the WTC. Bumrah has bowled match-turning spells for India in every cycle.
Who made the biggest impact with their bowling dominance of the WTC Era?
The WTC format has set new benchmarks in red-ball cricket, and these bowlers have made their legacy in the format. Nathan Lyon is at the top, but Ashwin and Bumrah have also proved their quality on global surfaces. This list of most wickets in the ICC World Test Championship is not just a statistic, it is proof of the dedication and discipline of the players.
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