Mitchell Starc claims top Test bowler ranking, ending Jasprit Bumrah’s reign
Australia’s veteran paceman Mitchell Starc has reached the pinnacle of Test cricket’s bowling rankings for the first time in his 15-year career. He’s dethroned India’s Jasprit Bumrah to become the new world number one. This seismic shift in the ICC Men’s Test Bowling Rankings was confirmed on Wednesday, August 26, 2026.
Starc’s ascent followed his devastating performance against Bangladesh. The 36-year-old left-armer’s match-winning 10-wicket haul in the second Test in Mackay propelled him two places to the top. He now holds a 10-point cushion over Bumrah, with New Zealand’s Matt Henry subsequently pushed down to third.
Mitchell Starc Test bowler ranking: Starc’s masterpiece against Bangladesh seals his ascent
Mitchell Starc’s promotion to the top spot wasn’t just a statistical inevitability. It was the direct result of one of the most dominant performances of his career. The pressure at the top of the rankings creates a high-stakes test for any player, and Starc passed with flying colours.
Across the two innings in Mackay, Starc was a whirlwind of speed and swing. He claimed sensational figures of six for 12 in the first innings, dismantling the Bangladeshi top order. He followed with another four wickets for 39 runs, completing a 10-wicket haul for the match.
His performance was the cornerstone of Australia’s innings and 51-run victory. That result sealed the series. Unsurprisingly, Starc was named both the Player of the Match and the Player of the Series for his consistent threat.
It was this singular, commanding display that provided the final push he needed to claim the number one ranking. This is a career-first, as he first came close after the Boxing Day Test last year when he reached second.
An end to Jasprit Bumrah’s impressive reign
While the focus is on Starc’s achievement, the change also marks the end of a significant era of dominance for Jasprit Bumrah. The Indian spearhead’s most recent spell at the top lasted only two months. But that statistic belies his long-term consistency and impact on the Test arena.
Bumrah’s slip to second place was influenced by his absence from India’s current World Test Championship series against Sri Lanka. His legacy at the top, however, is substantial. In total, he has spent a combined 697 days as the world’s number one Test bowler.
This remarkable figure is the most by any Indian bowler in history and places him 14th-most ever. It’s a testament to his sustained excellence since first reaching the summit in February 2024. He’s been a fixture in the top echelon of bowlers for years now.
The shuffle at the top highlights the intense competition within the elite group of Test bowlers. With the World Test Championship cycle in full swing, the battle between Starc, Bumrah, and the chasing pack promises to be a compelling narrative. For Bumrah, the challenge will now be to reclaim the throne he held for so long.
A reshuffled top 10 in the ICC Test bowling rankings
The movement at the summit of the ICC Men’s Test Bowling Rankings has sent ripples throughout the top 10. The Australian team, in particular, has seen its bowlers rewarded for their strong showing against Bangladesh. The performance of the team’s bowling unit has been a major factor in their recent successes.
Joining Mitchell Starc’s leap to number one, his long-time new-ball partner Pat Cummins also climbed one spot to fourth. Cummins played a crucial supporting role in Mackay, taking six wickets himself to contribute to the series win. The two pacemen form one of the most formidable bowling partnerships in the world.
Further cementing Australia’s strong position, veteran off-spinner Nathan Lyon moved up two places to re-enter the top 10. Now sitting in 10th position, Lyon’s consistency and wicket-taking ability continue to be a vital asset for the Australian side. Having three bowlers inside the top 10 underscores the strength of their current attack.
This kind of team performance can lead to massive inflows of support and attention.
English and Indian bowlers make significant gains
Beyond the top 10, several other bowlers made substantial jumps in the latest rankings update. These reflect strong individual performances across various ongoing Test series. England’s seamers, in particular, prospered following their dominant victory over Pakistan in the first Test at Leeds.
Ollie Robinson was a major gainer for England. His impressive match figures of five for 51 and three for 39 catapulted him 15 spots up the ladder to 11th position. He’s now just on the cusp of the top 10 in the bowling charts.
Robinson’s teammate, Josh Tongue, also saw his stock rise considerably. Tongue grabbed eight wickets at Headingley. This performance saw him progress 16 places to 17th, marking a significant leap in his Test bowling career.
Over in the subcontinent, India’s young left-arm spinner Manav Suthar made waves. He rose an impressive 28 places to a career-best 48th. This ascent came after his own 10-wicket haul in India’s 165-run win over Sri Lanka in Galle.
Such consistent performance by a bowler often translates directly into a surge up the rankings ladder. It’s a clear indicator of growing momentum in their career. The latest updates show several other noteworthy movements.
Sri Lanka’s Asitha Fernando and Prabath Jayasuriya both moved up five places, reaching 15th and 16th respectively. Pakistan’s Ali Usman also saw a significant climb, jumping 30 places to 67th. England’s Jofra Archer improved six spots to joint-38th in the latest rankings.
India’s M. Prasidh Krishna climbed two places to 53rd. Meanwhile, Bangladesh’s Shoriful Islam enjoyed a positive update, moving up 17 places to 57th. These shifts highlight the dynamic nature of international Test cricket.
Brook and Jadeja remain steady at the top
While the bowling rankings saw a major shake-up, there was more stability in the ICC Men’s Test Batting and All-Rounder Rankings. England’s Harry Brook continues his impressive run, consolidating his position at the top of the batting charts. He top-scored with 90 in the recent Test against Pakistan, a performance that doubled his lead over teammate and second-ranked Joe Root to 24 rating points.
Perhaps the most notable mover in the batting department was India’s wicketkeeper-batter Rishabh Pant. After a year, he has returned to the top 10. His aggressive half-century against Sri Lanka saw him jump six places into seventh, signalling his return to form in the longest format of the game.
A player’s individual performance can have a huge impact on team dynamics and their own career trajectory. In the all-rounder category, there is no change at the top. India’s Ravindra Jadeja continues his firm hold on the number one position, a role he has occupied for a significant period.
His multi-faceted skills with both bat and ball make him one of the most valuable players in Test cricket today. He provides a stable anchor in the rankings amidst the flux in the other categories. His consistency provides a benchmark for others to strive for in the sport, much like traders betting on price jumps.