The 2025 ESPNcricinfo Awards are here, and it's the pace bowlers who have truly dominated the Test arena this year! While spinners often get the glory, this year's nominees for best Test bowling performance showcase the sheer power and skill of fast bowlers across the globe. But here's where it gets interesting: how do you measure a bowler's impact when the wickets are falling like dominoes? Let's dive into some of the standout performances that have earned their place in the spotlight.
Pat Cummins: A Masterclass in the World Test Championship Final
In a high-stakes World Test Championship final at Lord's, Australian captain Pat Cummins proved why he's considered one of the all-time greats. After Australia was bowled out for 212, the pressure was on. While Mitchell Starc got the early breakthroughs, it was Cummins who took control, claiming 6 wickets for just 28 runs. His spell from the pavilion end, making the ball nip back into the right-handers with the slope, was simply unplayable. He conceded a mere 5 runs in his opening six overs and dismantled the South African batting order. On the second morning, he broke a crucial partnership and then, in a stunning 17-ball spell, took 4 wickets for just 1 run, effectively sealing a significant 74-run lead for Australia.
Kagiso Rabada: The Proteas' Persistent Performer
South Africa's Kagiso Rabada also made his mark in that same World Test Championship final. His 4 wickets for 59 runs in the first innings gave his team a strong position, though they couldn't quite capitalize. In the second innings, Rabada was at it again. With the new ball, he dismissed Usman Khawaja and Cameron Green in the same over, showcasing his ability to exploit conditions. Later, with the older ball, he targeted the stumps, trapping Alex Carey and Nathan Lyon lbw from different angles, preventing Australia from running away with the game. And this is the part most people miss: his adaptability with both the new and old ball was crucial in keeping South Africa in contention.
Mohammed Siraj: A Fighting Effort in a Thrilling Encounter
In a series-deciding fifth Test at The Oval, with Jasprit Bumrah rested, Mohammed Siraj led India's relatively inexperienced pace attack against England. Chasing 374, England were cruising at 50 for no loss before Siraj struck, bowling Zak Crawley with a yorker. The next morning, he removed Ollie Pope lbw. However, a moment of misfortune saw him step on the boundary cushion while taking a catch, inadvertently gifting Harry Brook a life. Brook went on to score a century, and along with Joe Root, put England in a commanding position. Despite this setback, Siraj's determination was unwavering. On the final morning, he bowled his heart out, taking three of the four remaining wickets to secure a nail-biting six-run victory for India and level the series. This performance highlights the immense pressure bowlers face and how one moment can change the narrative.
Mitchell Starc: A Dominant Ashes Opener
In the very first Ashes Test in Perth, with Josh Hazlewood and Pat Cummins absent, Mitchell Starc singlehandedly dismantled England's batting lineup. His career-best 7 wickets for 58 runs was a breathtaking display of fast bowling. Crucially, he was bowling at speeds not less than 140 kph in his initial spell, making him virtually unplayable. He dismissed Zak Crawley in the first over and trapped Ben Duckett lbw soon after. Even England's star batter, Joe Root, was dismissed for a duck, and captain Ben Stokes was bowled. Starc completed his five-wicket haul with the wicket of Gus Atkinson and then wrapped up the innings by removing Jamie Smith and Mark Wood. This performance immediately put Australia in a dominant position.
Marco Jansen: Conquering India with Bounce
Visiting bowlers often rely on high pace or reverse swing to succeed in India, but the tall Marco Jansen showcased a different approach in the second Test in Guwahati. He used bounce to great effect, setting up a rare Test series win for South Africa in the country. After South Africa posted 489, India reached 95 for 1. While Simon Harmer provided crucial breakthroughs, Jansen took over, dismantling India's middle order with four wickets in just eight overs. Three of these wickets – Dhruv Jurel, Nitish Kumar Reddy, and Ravindra Jadeja – came from short balls, leaving India struggling at 122 for 7. With the second new ball, he dismissed Kuldeep Yadav and bounced out Jasprit Bumrah, leading to India being bowled out for 201. This remarkable spell was instrumental in South Africa sealing the series 2-0.
What do you think? Were these performances truly the best of 2025? Or is there another bowler who deserves a spot on this list? Let us know your thoughts in the comments below!
