Top 3 fastest five-wicket hauls in Test cricket history
Mitchell Starc (Image Source: Cricket Australia)
Published - 09 Jun 2026, 10:56 PM• Read time - 2 mins
In the rich 149-year history of Test cricket, several legendary bowlers have graced the pitch with their presence. On a few occasions, these bowlers have completely dominated the opponents, running through their batting line-up with their menacing spells.
Collectively, they have accounted for a whopping 78,728 wickets so far in Test cricket and have registered 3365 five wicket hauls. However, there have been a few selective occasions where the bowlers completed their five-wicket hauls in lightning-quick time. Here are three such occasions, where bowlers scalped the fastest five-wicket hauls in Tests:
3. Stuart Broad vs Australia, 2015
The former England fast bowler takes the third spot, having completed his five-wicket haul in just 19 deliveries during the fourth Test of the Ashes 2015 against Australia at Trent Bridge, Nottingham. Broad ran through the Australian batting with a terrific spell, bundling them out for just 60, registering his career-best figures of 8/15. He was adjudged Player of the Match in England’s massive win by an innings and 78 runs, which also helped them also regain the Ashes.
2. Ernie Toshack vs India, 1947
The former Australian left-arm seamer also finds his name in the list, having taken just 19 balls to complete his five-wicket haul against India in Brisbane, 1947. He registered figures of 5/2 in 2.3 overs (8-ball overs) as India got bundled out for 58 in 21.3 overs. He further picked up another six wickets (6/29) in the second innings, guiding Australia to a win by an innings and 226 runs.
1. Mitchell Starc vs West Indies, 2025
The Australian speedster holds the record for the fastest five-wicket haul in Test history, completing the landmark in just 15 balls. Mitchell Starc achieved the feat during the third Test against West Indies in July, 2025. Playing his 100th Test, he also completed 400 wickets in the format, and registered figures of 6/9 to bundle out West Indies for just 27, the second lowest score in Test history. He was adjudged Player of the Match for guiding Australia to a 176-run victory.
