Top 3 leading wicket takers in Test cricket in 2025

Overview

• Mohammed Siraj is the leading wicket taker in Tests in the calendar year 2025, as of the first half of October
• Zimbabwe's Blessing Muzarabani is second in the list with 36 wickets to his name in 9 matches
• Australia's Mitchell Starc is third in the list, who has claimed 29 wickets in 7 matches at an average of 17.24

2025 has been a good year for Test cricket as of October. The year started with the Sydney Test between India and Australia. What followed were some remaining series in the WTC Cycle 2023-25. In the WTC Final, South Africa shocked the world by beating Australia to win the Test mace at the home of cricket in Lord's.

What followed was the amazing Anderson-Tendulkar Trophy, whose final score was 2-2 after India's thrilling win at The Oval. There have been other series as well. Notably, Zimbabwe has gotten a chance to play Tests against some of the top Test teams in the world like South Africa, England, and New Zealand, with a huge increase in their number of Tests.

Also Read: 5 greatest bowlers to have played for South Africa

With the big Ashes 2025 and the series between India and South Africa left for the calendar year to conclude, all eyes are on some of the best bowlers in the world, who have shined in the longest format of the game in 2025, so far. The bowlers who have done well so far, would love to end the year on a high.

Top 3 leading wicket takers in Test cricket in 2025

Mitchell Starc

Mitchell Starc has had a fine year as a Test bowler in 2025. His performance against the West Indies ensured his place in the list. Starc being the experienced pacer in the team has chosen to play as many Tests as possible for Australia and even played his 100th match in the red ball format.

In 7 matches in the year till October, Starc has bowled on 14 instances and claimed 29 wickets at a bowling average of 17.24, at a very good strike rate of 30.65, including a fifer to his name. His highlight in the year was his 6-wicket haul against the West Indies.

Also Check: Top 5 best batters to have played for West Indies

Blessing Muzarabani

Blessing Muzarabani has been the second highest wicket taker in 2025 in Tests. Before the Delhi Test between India and the West Indies, the Zimbabwean was the leading wicket taker in the year. The tall pacer had a good first half but hasn't been as good in the last few months.

In 9 matches in the year, the right-arm pacer has bowled in 13 instances. In as many chances, Muzarabani has claimed 36 wickets at an average of 28.63 and a strike rate of 46.11, including 3 fifers to his name. As of October 13, he's just a solitary wicket short of Siraj.

Mohammed Siraj

Mohammed Siraj has been one of the best performers in 2025. The Player of the Month award winner for August played a key role in India drawing the Anderson-Tendulkar Trophy 2-2. The right-arm pacer has been good both at home and in away conditions in 2025.

As of October 2025, Siraj has played 8 matches and bowled in 15 instances. In as many chances, the star pacer has 37 scalps to his name at an average of 26.91, at a good strike rate of 42.55, including a couple of 4-fers and fifers to his name, respectively. He and Starc have the best chance to finish the year as the leading wicket takers.