Ever since the ICC World Test Championship (WTC) started (August 1, 2019), the image of Test cricket changed dramatically. WTC gave a solid reason for teams to produce magical moments in the longest format of the game. It also attracted fans to show more interest in five-day cricket.
In total, 78 Tests were played in 2019, out of which 42 were part of WTC. Like every year, the past year saw some magnificent bowling performances.
From Pat Cummins to Jofra Archer, bowlers belonging to different teams played their part and showcased the dominance from the red-ball.
New Zealand’s Neil Wagner played only six matches, but he went on to take 43 wickets and became the third bowler to grab most wickets in 2019. His compatriot Tim Southee claimed 33 wickets in the last year and placed himself at the ninth spot.
The past year had been great for Virat Kohli-led India. Fast bowler Mohammed Shami ruled 2019 with his consistency.
Shami became the leading Indian wicket-taker in the past year. He finished at sixth position with 33 Test wickets. When it comes to the WTC, then Shami is on the third spot.
Nathan Lyon is the lone spinner in the top 10 Test bowlers of 2019. He sits at second place with 45 wickets. Pat Cummins, on the other hand, rules the table as he holds the top position. Cummins finished as the leading Test wicket-taker (59) of the last year.
England’s duo of Stuart Broad and Jofra Archer also grabbed the maximum number of wickets. Where Broad took 43, Archer claimed 30 Test wickets.
Bowlers with most wickets in 2019
1.) Pat Cummins (AUS)
Matches: 12 | Innings: 23 | Wickets: 59 | BBM: 10/62 | Eco: 2.70
2.) Nathan Lyon (AUS)
Matches: 12 | Innings: 23 | Wickets: 45 | BBM: 9/161 | Eco: 2.90
3.) Neil Wagner (NZ)
Matches: 6 | Innings: 11 | Wickets: 43 | BBM: 9/73 | Eco: 2.83
4.) Stuart Broad (ENG)
Matches: 11 | Innings: 21 | Wickets: 43 | BBM: 7/79 | Eco: 2.93
5.) Mitchell Starc (AUS)
Matches: 8 | Innings: 15 | Wickets: 42 | BBM: 10/100 | Eco: 3.38
6.) Mohammed Shami (India)
Matches: 8 | Innings: 16 | Wickets: 33 | BBM: 7/58 | Eco: 2.83
7.) Josh Hazlewood (AUS)
Matches: 8 | Innings: 14 | Wickets: 33 | BBM: 9/115 | Eco: 2.76
8.) Kagiso Rabada (SA)
Matches: 8 | Innings: 14 | Wickets: 33 | BBM: 7/171 | Eco: 3.67
9.) Tim Southee (NZ)
Matches: 8 | Innings: 15 | Wickets: 33 | BBM: 9/162 | Eco: 3.05
10.) Jofra Archer (ENG)
Matches: 7 | Innings: 13 | Wickets: 30 | BBM: 8/85 | Eco: 3.00
