This list highlights the top 5 fastest five-wicket hauls in Test cricket by balls faced, featuring legends like Mitchell Starc (15 balls), Ernie Toshack, Stuart Broad, Scott Boland, and Shane Watson. These bowlers delivered game-changing spells, showcasing remarkable speed and skill in dismantling opposition batting lineups swiftly.
5. Shane Watson – 21 Balls vs South Africa, Cape Town, 2011
Shane Watson claimed the fifth fastest five-wicket hauls in Test cricket at Cape Town in 2011. Bowling in reply to Australia’s 284, he dismantled South Africa for just 96, taking his five wickets off only 21 balls and finishing with 5/17 in 5 overs. Watson dismissed five of the top seven batsmen, but Australia still lost the match by eight wickets after collapsing for 47 in the second innings.
4. Scott Boland – 19 Balls vs England, Melbourne, 2021
Scott Boland marked an incredible start to his Test career with one of the fastest fifers ever. During the Ashes 2020-21 at the MCG, Boland took a five-wicket haul in just 19 balls as England were bowled out for 68 in their second innings. He finished with career-best figures of 6/7 in four overs, helping Australia win by an innings and 14 runs.
3. Stuart Broad – 19 Balls vs Australia, Nottingham, 2015
Stuart Broad, with 604 Test wickets to his name, recorded one of the fastest five-wicket hauls off 19 balls during the 2015 Ashes at Nottingham. Broad took 8/15 in 9.3 overs as Australia were dismissed for just 60 in the first innings. His devastating spell helped England secure an innings and 78-run victory.
2. Ernie Toshack – 19 Balls vs India, Brisbane, 1947
Australian left-arm pacer Ernie Toshack achieved a five-wicket haul in only 19 balls against India at the Gabba in 1947. India were bowled out for 58 in the first innings, with Toshack taking 5/2 in 2.3 overs (8-ball overs). He also took 6/29 in the second innings, guiding Australia to an innings and 226-run win.
1. 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 faced, taking five wickets in just 15 balls. This came in 2025 against the West Indies in Kingston, where Australia bowled out the visitors for a mere 27 in the second innings. Starc’s 6/9 helped Australia secure a crushing victory, with the West Indies posting the second-lowest total in Test history. The introduction of the pink ball has enhanced conditions for fast bowlers like Starc to dominate batsmen more effectively.
