Top 5 wicket-takers in WTC (World Test Championship) history

Test matches indeed stand as the pinnacle format in cricket, rigorously testing a player’s endurance and commitment to the game day by day. Notably, this challenging format serves as a thorough examination of a player’s strategic understanding of the game and a captain’s leadership acumen, making each day’s play a unique trial.

However, some of the most remarkable records in Test cricket are scripted by the batsmen, while the bowlers also etch their names in history books. Meanwhile, the Apex Cricket Council unveiled plans for the Test League. The inaugural World Test Championship commenced with the iconic 2019 Ashes series and concluded with New Zealand emerging as the champions by defeating India in the final held in June 2021.

In addition, the second edition of the World Test Championship commenced on August 4, 2021, kicking off with the 5-match Pataudi Trophy and culminating in the final clash between India and Australia. Australia emerged victorious in the World Test Championship 2021–23 by defeating India by 209 runs at the Oval. The ongoing 2023–25 WTC cycle began with the Ashes series in England and is set to extend until 2025.

Meanwhile, check out the top 5 bowlers as the highest wicket-takers in the World Test Championship cycle.

Pat Cummins-169

Pat Cummins (Source – Twitter)

Australia’s star cricketer, Pat Cummins, is known as one of the best fast bowlers and greatest leaders in the history of Test cricket. Notably, the right-arm pacer is the top wicket-taker in the World Test Championship cycle, with 169 wickets to his name.

The 30-year-old cricketer played a great role in Test cricket and helped Australia win the ultimate title of WTC 2023 after defeating Team India at the Oval in London.

Nathan Lyon-169

Nathan Lyon (Source – Twitter)

Star cricketer Nathan Lyon is the most successful offspinner in Australian Test history and the third Australian bowler to take 400 Test wickets. Notably, the star cricketer is also the first bowler to take 150 wickets in the World Test Championship (WTC) cycle and has 169 scalps to his name in the World Test Championship cycle.

Nathan Lyon’s best bowling figures were 8/64 against India in Bengaluru in 2019. However, Nathan Lyon has played 53 matches in WTC history and taken 227 wickets at an average of 28.66 and a strike rate of 58.9. The legendary cricketer has taken 11 five-wicket hauls and two ten-wicket hauls in the WTC.

Ravichandran Ashwin-151

Ravichandran Ashwin

India’s star cricketer, Ravichandran Ashwin, is one of the leading offspiners of his era and the fourth Indian bowler to take 400 Test wickets. In addition, the great all-rounder is also the third bowler to take 150 wickets in the World Test Championship (WTC). Notably, the middle-order batter places himself on the list with 151 wickets to his name.

Mitchell Starc-140

Mitchell Starc (Source – Twitter)

Australia’s star cricketer, Mitchell Starc, also places himself on the list and is now considered one of the best left-arm pacers in the world. The great seamer’s bowling spells made him the costliest player in the IPL auction.

Meanwhile, the KKR’s new buy is also the fourth-highest wicket-taker in World Test Championship (WTC) history, with 140 wickets to his name. Mitchell Starc helped his side win the WTC 2023 title in June last year.

Stuart Broad-134

Stuart Broad (Source – Twitter)

Former England bowler Stuart Broad is one of the leading fast bowlers of his era and the seventh-highest wicket-taker in Test history. Notably, the star seamer is also the fifth-highest wicket-taker in World Test Championship (WTC) history, with 134 wickets to his name.

Stuart Broad plays a prominent role in Ashes 2023, which helps England level up the prestige title despite Australia winning the first two Test matches.