Top 5 best bowlers in Test cricket right now ft. Jasprit Bumrah, Pat Cummins

Test cricket is known for its demanding nature, where bowlers are expected to exhibit persistence, skill, and adaptability across various conditions. Over the years, several bowlers have risen to the occasion, establishing themselves as modern-day greats.

At present, the bowling landscape is dominated by a handful of performers who have consistently delivered match-winning spells for their teams. These bowlers not only possess the ability to take wickets but also maintain impressive consistency, dominate batters, and make it difficult for them to score freely.

In the current era, bowlers like Jasprit Bumrah, Ravichandran Ashwin, Pat Cummins, Josh Hazlewood, and Nathan Lyon stand out for their exceptional performances.

Each of them has contributed immensely to their teams, showcasing a perfect blend of precision, skill, and adaptability. Whether it's fiery pace or crafty spin, these bowlers have been integral to their team's success, be it at home or away.

---

Top 5 best bowlers in Test cricket right now

#5 Nathan Lyon (Australia)

Australia’s premier spinner Nathan Lyon makes the list, with an impressive career spanning 129 games so far. With 530 wickets at an average of 30.28, Lyon is one of the most successful spinners in Test cricket.

His ability to bowl long spells while maintaining an economy rate of 2.93, particularly while bowling at home where conditions are less spin-friendly, makes him invaluable to the Australian side.

In the recent series against New Zealand, Lyon picked up 13 wickets in two matches, with best figures of 6/65. Known for his drift, flight, and bounce, Lyon remains a key figure in Australia’s Test bowling attack, and his 24 five-wicket hauls and five 10-wicket hauls speak for his brilliance.

---

#4 Josh Hazlewood (Australia)

Josh Hazlewood, ranked No.3 in the ICC Men’s Test Bowling Rankings at present, is renowned for his impeccable line and length. Hazlewood has taken 273 wickets in 70 matches, with an outstanding average of 24.82.

His economy rate of 2.78 and strike rate of 53.3 display his ability to maintain pressure on batters.

In Australia's recent series against New Zealand, Hazlewood was in top form, claiming 10 wickets in two matches, including a five-wicket haul (5/31).

His ability to exploit movement off the seam, combined with relentless accuracy, makes him one of the most difficult bowlers to face in the longest format at present.

---

#3 Pat Cummins (Australia)

Australia's Test captain, Pat Cummins, currently holds the No.4 spot in the ICC Men’s Test Bowling Rankings. Cummins has been a consistent performer for Australia, with 269 wickets in 62 matches.

His average of 22.53 and economy rate of 2.88 make him one of the most reliable fast bowlers in the world.

Cummins’ recent Test series against New Zealand in 2024 saw him take six wickets across two matches, with best figures of 4/62. His ability to generate bounce and pace, coupled with his accuracy, allows him to trouble the best of batters.

With 12 five-wicket hauls to his name, Cummins continues to be a vital cog in Australia’s bowling attack.

---

#2 Ravichandran Ashwin (India)

One of the best spinners not just in India but across the world at the moment is Ravichandran Ashwin, the No.2 ranked Test bowler. Ashwin has been India's spin maestro, accumulating 527 wickets in 102 matches at an impressive average of 23.65.

His economy rate of 2.81 and strike rate of 50.3 speak for his ability to control the flow of runs while regularly picking up wickets.

Ashwin has been in fine form, as seen in his performances against Bangladesh in India's recent Test series. He picked up a five-wicket haul (6/88) in Chennai and had a decent showing in Kanpur, taking five wickets across both innings.

Known for his ability to exploit conditions, Ashwin has a remarkable record, with 37 five-wicket hauls and eight ten-wicket match hauls in his career.

His versatility and skill in outfoxing batters make him one of the most feared spinners in the world.

---

#1 Jasprit Bumrah (India)

Ranked as the No.1 bowler in the ICC Men’s Test Bowling Rankings, Jasprit Bumrah has been a standout performer in the longer format. With 170 wickets in 38 matches, Bumrah boasts an exceptional bowling average of 20.18.

His ability to maintain a tight economy rate of 2.75 with a strike rate of 43.9 deliveries makes him a deadly weapon for India in all conditions.

Bumrah’s recent form has been nothing short of spectacular. In the two-match series against Bangladesh in September 2024, he picked up six wickets in Kanpur, and 5 in Chennai. His best figures of 6/27 (in an innings), combined with 10 five-wicket hauls, reflect his ability to produce match-winning spells.

Bumrah's unique bowling action and accuracy, coupled with his remarkable swing and pace, makes him arguably the best bowler in the longest format of cricket right now.