In cricket, batting and bowling are key. Bowling is more important in test cricket than in shorter formats. Bowlers sometimes bowl many overs without success and other times get wickets quickly. Test cricket has a rich history of memorable bowling performances. This article will cover the top five fastest 5-wicket hauls in test cricket, by balls bowled.
Top 5 Fastest Five Wicket Haul in Test Cricket
1. Mitchell Starc – 15 Balls vs West Indies, Kingston, 2025
The pink ball has made it easier for fast bowlers. Mitchell Starc tops the list with the fastest 5-wicket haul in test cricket, achieving it in just 15 balls against the West Indies in Kingston in 2025. Australia scored 225 and 121, while the West Indies scored 143 and 27. Starc took 6/9 in the second innings, helping Australia dismiss the West Indies for 27, the second-lowest total in test history.
2. Ernie Toshack – 19 Balls vs India, Brisbane, 1947
Ernie Toshack, a former Australian fast bowler, took a 5-wicket haul against India in 19 balls. He did this at the Gabba, Brisbane, in 1947. It was in the first innings when India were out for 58. Ernie took 5/2 in 2.3 overs (with 8 balls per over). He also took 6/29 in the second innings, helping Australia win by an innings and 226 runs.
3. Stuart Broad – 19 Balls vs Australia, Nottingham, 2015
Stuart Broad, with 604 test wickets, had his best performance with 8/15, completing his five-wicket haul in just 19 balls. This was in Nottingham during the 2015 Ashes series, where Australia were bowled out for 60 in the first innings. Broad’s 8/15 in 9.3 overs was a top bowling effort. England won by an innings and 78 runs.
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4. Scott Boland – 19 Balls vs England, Melbourne, 2021
Scott Boland started his test career with a bang, taking one of the fastest 5-wicket hauls. It was against England at the MCG during the 2020-21 Ashes. England were bowled out for 68 in the second innings, with Boland taking his five wickets in 19 balls. He finished with 6/7 in 4 overs, his best test figures. Australia won by an innings and 14 runs.
5. Shane Watson – 21 Balls vs South Africa, Cape Town, 2011
Shane Watson, the former Australian all-rounder, took the fifth-fastest 5-wicket haul in test cricket, getting there in 21 balls against South Africa in Cape Town in 2011. After Australia scored 284, South Africa were bowled out for 96. Watson took his five wickets in 21 balls, finishing with 5/17 in 5 overs, dismissing five of the top seven batsmen. But Australia lost the game by 8 wickets after being all-out for 47 in the second innings.
