Top 3 wicket-takers of WTC 2021-23

The World Test Championship (WTC) cycle from 2021 to 2023, is set to end after a summit clash between India and Australia at the iconic Oval Cricket Ground. It is the world cup of the game’s longest format, bringing together the top nine test-playing nations to fight for the coveted Test mace. While batters frequently steal the show in cricket, the job of bowlers in Test cricket is just as important, if not more so. 

Bowlers are crucial in determining the outcome of a Test match because they are responsible for taking wickets and limiting the opposition’s scoring rate. In test cricket, their ability to produce pace, swing, or spin the ball, as well as their tactical skills in setting up batters is critical. In this article, we will discuss the top 3 highest wicket-takers in the ongoing Test Championship cycle.

3. Ravichandran Ashwin (61 wickets, India) 

Ravichandran Ashwin, India’s star off-spinner, has carved his name in cricket history by finishing as the third-highest wicket-taker in the 2021-2023 World Test Championship (WTC) cycle. Ashwin mesmerized batters with his excellent spin and skill and was instrumental in India’s triumph. In 13 matches, he took 61 wickets at a phenomenal average of 19.67. 

Ashwin’s most significant performance of 6/91 demonstrated his ability to outperform even the most difficult opponents. Throughout the championship, he continuously provided a threat to batters, taking five four-wicket hauls and two five-wicket hauls. Ashwin’s services were critical in India’s march to the World Test Championship final, cementing his position as one of the greatest spinners of his time.

2. Kagiso Rabada (67 wickets, South Africa) 

South Africa’s pace bowler Kagiso Rabada has emerged as the second-highest wicket-taker in the World Test Championship (WTC) cycle from 2021 to 2023, thanks to an amazing display of skill and consistency. With 67 wickets in only 13 matches, he has demonstrated his ability to challenge batters all over the world. With a fantastic 21.05 average, he has proven to be a fearsome force for any opponent. His finest performance of 6/50 illustrates his ability to demolish batting lineups on his own.  

Notably, he has five four-wicket hauls and three five-wicket hauls to his credit, demonstrating his ability to routinely pick up crucial wickets. What distinguishes him is that he is the only pacer among the top three wicket-takers, as well as his remarkable strike rate of 34.80, which is the greatest among the top three. South Africa has unquestionably discovered a powerful weapon in their pace attack, and his services have been critical to their success in the WTC cycle.

1. Nathan Lyon (83 wickets, Australia) 

Nathan Lyon, an Australian spinner, has amassed the most wickets in the World Test Championship (WTC) cycle from 2021 to 2023. Lyon’s outstanding performance in the competition saw him take 83 wickets in 19 matches. Lyon was a powerful force against opposing batsmen, with an excellent average of 26.97. His best performance came in a memorable contest in which he grabbed 8 wickets for 64 runs.

Lyon’s consistency was highlighted by three four-wicket hauls, five five-wicket hauls, and a spectacular ten-wicket haul. He was a continuous threat to opposing batters due to his ability to extract turn and bounce from any pitch. Lyon’s outstanding contributions were critical to Australia’s victory during the WTC cycle, establishing him as one of the top spinners in the Morden game.