While the batsmen score runs in the ICC World Test Championship (WTC), there have been some bowlers who changed the entire mood of the match by putting a break on the runs. The biggest weapon of these bowlers was their ‘economy rate’. That is, how many overs were bowled giving how few runs. In the history of WTC, many bowlers have proved with their precise line-length, patience and discipline that in Test cricket, not only wickets but control is also equally important.

Jack Faulks- New Zealand

At the top of this list is Jack Fulks of New Zealand, who created a stir in his debut match in 2025. He bowled at an economy rate of only 2.20 in 50 overs. 13 maiden overs and 3 wickets costing only 110 runs. These figures show a strong glimpse of their future. His statistics show that he kept the batsmen engaged in every spell, from the new ball to the old ball.

Saqib Mahmood – England

England’s Saqib Mahmood is at second place in this list. In the 2022 season, he took 6 wickets for 137 runs in 61 overs and his economy was 2.24. The specialty of Shakib’s bowling was his swing and precise length. He always kept the batsmen on the backfoot with his bowling.

Liam Dawson – England

At number three is Liam Dawson of England, who bowled 62 overs and gave only 140 runs in his only WTC match in 2025. His economy during this period was 2.25. Although he got only 1 wicket, but such economy in such a long spell puts even the big bowlers in trouble in Test cricket.

Vernon Philander – South Africa

South Africa’s experienced fast bowler Vernon Philander is also included in this list. Philander, who gave only 368 runs in 161.5 overs during 2019-20, had an economy of 2.27. Philander has always been famous for his accuracy, and he maintained the same style in the WTC as well.

Sonal Dinusha – Sri Lanka

Sri Lankan young bowler Sonal Dinusha was also successful in making it to the top-5. In a short but effective spell of 12.3 overs, he gave only 29 runs and took 3 wickets. His economy was 2.32. Such performance in such short overs is considered very special in a Test debut.