Mitchell Starc etched his name in Test cricket history by claiming the best strike rate in a calendar year among bowlers with at least 50 wickets. The Australian left-armer’s dominant performance in 2025 has put him ahead of legends such as Waqar Younis and Dale Steyn, with an astonishing strike rate of 55 wickets at 28.3 balls per wicket.
Mitchell Starc’s record-breaking 2025: 55 wickets at 28.3 SR
Australian Starc delivered a career-defining year in 2025, taking 55 wickets in 11 Tests at an average of 17.32 and a strike rate of 28.3 balls per dismissal. Records the highest bowling strike rate in a calendar year for any bowler who has scored more than 50 wickets in Tests. Starc took three five-wicket hauls with his best figures of 7/58 highlighting his ability to dismantle the opposition’s batting unit on live pitches.
MEET MITCH STARC! What a ball to dismiss Ben Stokes. #Ash | #Playoftheday | @nrmainsurance pic.twitter.com/PehDst540x
— cricket.com.au (@cricketcomau) November 21, 2025
Starc, who played a key role in Australia’s Ashes campaign and home series against India, combined raw pace with late swing to devastating effect. His economy of 3.7 runs highlighted his control and made him the benchmark for modern fast bowling excellence in the longest format.
Waqar Younis’ strike in 1993: 55 wickets in just 7 Tests
Pakistan’s Waqar Younis follows closely with a strike rate of 29.5 from 1993, where he took 55 wickets at an average of 15.23 in just 7 Tests. Wagar, known for his deadly toe-crushing yorkers, claimed six fives, culminating in 7/91. That year, he formed a fearsome duo with Wasim Akram, terrorizing batsmen across England and the West Indies.
Waqar’s brevity – he needs fewer matches than his bulk – fuels his prowess as Pakistan sweeps the ranges with his mastery of reverse swing. Its performance remains the gold standard for fast pace in subcontinental conditions.
Jasprit Bumrah’s 2024 Masterclass: 71 wickets at 30.1 SR
https://x.com/cricketcomau/status/1991737829794410602India jasprit bumrah He rewrote records in 2024, picking up 71 wickets in 13 Tests at a strike rate of 30.1 and an unparalleled average of 14.92 among the group. Five five-wicket hauls, including 6/45, propelled India to back-to-back wins in Australia and England. Bumrah’s unique seam movement and ability to create bounce in the flat decks sets him apart.
His workload in grueling tours showed his stamina, combining accuracy with aggression to become India’s strike weapon. At 30.1 balls per wicket, Bumrah’s efficiency rivals the greats in modern times despite flatter pitches.
The rise of Gus Atkinson: England star of 2024 with 52 goals
Emerging English quick Gus Atkinson burst onto the scene in 2024, securing 52 wickets in 11 Tests at a strike rate of 35.6 and an average of 22.15. His highlight was a mesmerizing 7/45, complete with three five-fors. Atkinson’s raw speed and drift made him England’s find in the post-James Anderson transition.
Debuting amid high expectations, Atkinson suited up perfectly to overseas challenges, troubling Australia and India. His rapid rise bodes well for the bright future of English pace bowling.
Dale Steyn’s iconic 2008: 74 wickets at 35.8 SR
South African Dale Steyn took the top five in 2008 with 74 wickets in 13 Tests at 35.8 and an average of 20.01. A five-wicket haul led by 6/72 lifted South Africa to the No. 1 Test ranking. Steyn’s blistering pace and ruthless accuracy overwhelmed England, India and Bangladesh.
That year defined Steyn’s peak, combining hostility with skill to become one of cricket’s most feared fast bowlers. His knock remains the highest wickets in this elite strike rate bracket.
| Player | year | Doors | Matches | Bowling
Medium |
Holiday rate | 5 Goalkeeper Carry | Best Bowling |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Mitchell Starc (AUS) | 2025 | 55 | 11 | 17.32 | 28.3 | 3 | 7/58 |
| Waqar Younis (PAK) | 1993 | 55 | 07 | 15.23 | 29.5 | 6 | 7/91 |
| Jasprit Bumrah (IND) | 2024 | 71 | 13 | 14.92 | 30.1 | 5 | 6/45 |
| Gus Atkinson (England) | 2024 | 52 | 11 | 22.15 | 35.6 | 3 | 7/45 |
| Dale Steyn (SA) | 2008 | 74 | 13 | 20.01 | 35.8 | 5 | 6/72 |
Also READ: Records and statistics – Fewest balls Australia have faced in either innings in Tests since 1900
Why does strike rate determine bowling greatness?
Strike rate measures wickets per ball, revealing the ability of bowlers to bowl often – an important indicator during bowler friendlies. It transcends five conditions, from Wagar’s swing to Starc’s seam movement. Modern analytics value this kind of efficiency over volume.
Starc’s surge in 2025 is outpacing his predecessors by dismissing batsmen every 28.3 balls amid a resurgence in Australia’s pace. Bumrah’s wicket of 71 punctuates the volume with bite, while Steyn’s 74 sets the tone.
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