The fastest five-wicket hauls in Test cricket history were achieved in remarkably few balls, with the quickest being in just 15 deliveries. This record-breaking performance helped bowlers dismantle opposition batting line-ups rapidly, often triggering historic collapses and low team totals. Previous fastest hauls stood at 19 balls before being surpassed, showcasing the impact of energetic and effective pace bowling in Test matches
Test Cricket: Shane Watson – 21 Balls vs South Africa, Cape Town, 2011
Former Australian all-rounder Shane Watson recorded the fifth fastest five-wicket haul in Test cricket by taking five wickets in just 21 balls during the 2011 Test in Cape Town against South Africa. In response to Australia’s first innings total of 284, South Africa was bowled out for 96 runs. Watson’s performance included 5 wickets for 17 runs in 5 overs, dismissing five of the top seven batsmen. Despite his effort, Australia lost the match by eight wickets after being bowled out for 47 in their second innings.
Scott Boland – 19 Balls vs England, Melbourne, 2021
Scott Boland made a remarkable entry into Test cricket by taking one of the fastest five-wicket hauls in the format. Playing against England during the 2020-21 Ashes at the Melbourne Cricket Ground, Boland claimed five wickets in just 19 balls as England collapsed for 68 runs in their second innings. He finished with outstanding figures of 6 wickets for 7 runs in 4 overs, contributing to Australia’s innings-and-14-run victory.
Stuart Broad – 19 Balls vs Australia, Nottingham, 2015
England’s Stuart Broad achieved a five-wicket haul in just 19 balls during the 2015 Ashes Test at Nottingham, where Australia were dismissed for 60 runs in the first innings. Broad’s exceptional bowling figures of 8 for 15 in 9.3 overs remain among the finest by a pacer. His performance played a pivotal role in England’s innings-and-78-run win. Broad finished his career with 604 Test wickets.
Ernie Toshack – 19 Balls vs India, Brisbane, 1947
Australian left-arm fast bowler Ernie Toshack took a five-wicket haul in 19 balls against India at the Gabba in Brisbane in 1947. In India’s first innings total of 58 runs, Toshack claimed 5 wickets for just 2 runs in 2.3 overs (with 8-ball overs). He also took 6/29 in the second innings, helping Australia secure a commanding innings-and-226-run victory.
Mitchell Starc – 15 Balls vs West Indies, Kingston, 2025
Mitchell Starc holds the record for the fastest five-wicket haul in Test cricket by balls, achieving it in only 15 deliveries. This feat occurred against the West Indies in Kingston in 2025, a match in which Australia scored 225 and 121, while West Indies were dismissed for 143 and then just 27 runs. Starc’s devastating spell of 6 wickets for 9 runs in the second innings helped Australia bowl out the West Indies for their second-lowest total ever in Test cricket
