Cricket

Mitchell Starc Reclaims Top Spot in ICC Test Bowling Rankings

  • Authored By: Sports Now
  • Updated Nov 4, 2026, 16:52 IST

Australian fast bowler Mitchell Starc has returned to the number one position in the ICC Test bowling rankings after a dominant 15-wicket series performance against South Africa, displacing Marco Jansen at the summit.

Mitchell Starc Reclaims Top Spot in ICC Test Bowling Rankings

Australian pace spearhead Mitchell Starc has reclaimed the number one position in the ICC Test bowling rankings. The 36-year-old fast bowler surged back to the top of the standings following an outstanding individual campaign during the recently concluded three-Test series against South Africa.

Starc finished the series as the leading wicket-taker, claiming a total of 15 wickets. His most significant contribution came in the final Test, where he delivered a commanding performance by taking nine wickets in the match, including a standout 6/72 in the first innings. This display of precision and pace proved pivotal in keeping Australia competitive throughout the deciding match.

Jansen Displaced as Harmer Makes Significant Gains

The latest rankings update sees Starc overtake South Africa’s Marco Jansen, who had briefly held the top spot in both the bowling and all-rounder categories following his own impressive showing in the second Test. While Jansen’s influence throughout the series was notable, Starc’s late-series surge was enough to regain the premier position.

The rankings also reflect the impact of South African off-spinner Simon Harmer, who climbed nine places to reach seventh overall. Harmer’s rise follows his match-winning display in the third Test, where he secured his maiden 10-wicket haul in a single match. His performance earned him the Player of the Match award and played a crucial role in South Africa’s series victory.

South Africa Secure Series Triumph

Despite Starc’s individual brilliance, South Africa emerged victorious in the three-match series with a 2-1 result. After dropping the opening match, the hosts demonstrated resilience by winning the subsequent two encounters to secure the series. The contest was defined by high-quality individual efforts, with Jansen’s dual-threat capability and Harmer’s spin dominance proving essential to the home side's success in the final stages of the series.