The year 2024 has been remarkable for bowlers in Test cricket, with pacers and spinners alike taking the limelight. On demanding pitches and under intense pressure, the bowlers consistently exceeded expectations, turning matches in favor of their teams. From backswings on dry pitches to spins and bounces in spin-friendly conditions, they exploited every nuance of the game. The dominance of the bowlers led to exciting contests, where even modest totals were fiercely defended. This revival has reignited the charm of Test cricket, where skill and strategy are paramount.
Record-breaking performances
Throughout the year, Test cricket has seen bowlers produce some of the most stunning displays of dominance in an innings. With unyielding accuracy and mastery of their craft, they delivered spells that turned games on their heads. Several performances stood out for their size, as the bowlers dismantled entire batting lineups with ease. These record-breaking feats not only secured crucial victories for their teams, but etched these performances into the annals of cricket history. Each spell was a testament to the determination, skill and resilience that define the modern Test bowler.
Top 5 Best Bowling Performances in Test Cricket 2024
5. Washington Sundar – 7 Wickets against New Zealand
In the second test of Tour of New Zealand Indiaheld in Pune in October 2024, Indian spinner Washington Sundar gave a mesmerizing performance. Sundar took 7 wickets for 59 runs in 23.1 overs during the first innings, marking his career best figures. In the second innings, he added 4 more wickets, taking his match tally to 11. Despite India’s 113-run defeat, Sundar’s bowling was an outstanding performance, cementing his status as one of India’s key players.
4. Mitchell Santner – 7 Wickets against India
In the same match in Pune, New Zealand Mitchell Santner outplayed the opposition with an outstanding display of all-round bowling prowess. Santner took 7 wickets for 53 runs in just 19.3 overs in the first innings, his career best. He followed up with 6 wickets in the second innings, taking his tally in the match to an incredible 13 wickets. This achievement made him the third New Zealand player with the most wickets in a Test match. Santner’s incredible effort earned him the man of the match award and he played a key role in New Zealand’s win.
3. Gus Atkinson – 7 Wickets against West Indies
In a sensational debut at Lord’s in July 2024. England‘with Gus Atkinson he made a memorable entry into Test cricket. The young fast bowler stunned West Indies taking 7 wickets for 45 runs in 12 overs during the first innings. Atkinson’s brilliance didn’t stop there; he followed up with five wickets in the second innings, finishing the match with 12 wickets. His man of the match award was confirmation of a debut that will be remembered for years to come.
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2. Marco Jansen – 7 Wickets against Sri Lanka
South African fast bowler Marco Jansen he delivered one of the most economical and efficient performances of the year in Durban during Sri Lankatour in November 2024, Jansen smashed the Sri Lankan batting line-up with figures of 7 wickets for just 13 runs in 56.5 overs in the first innings. He added 4 more wickets in the second innings, taking his total in the match to 11 wickets. Jansen’s effort not only earned him the man of the match award but also led the Proteas to a convincing 233-run victory.
1. Noman Ali – 8 Wickets against England
The outstanding performance of 2024 belonged Pakistanleft arm spinner Noman Aliwho scored a victory against England in Multan during October 2024. Noman’s 8-wicket haul in the second innings was a masterclass in spin bowling, complemented by his 3-wicket haul in the first innings for a total of 11 wickets in the match. His heroics secured a 152-run victory for Pakistan and earned him the accolade of scoring the best bowling figures of the year.
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