When it comes to Test cricket, few fast bowlers command the respect and fear that Jasprit Bumrah and Mitchell Starc do. Both have made a massive impact on the game — one with raw pace and swing, the other with an unorthodox action and deadly precision. But if we put emotion and fandom aside, and dive into the stats and match impact, who really is the more dangerous Test bowler?
Mitchell Starc: The Left-Arm Lethal Weapon
Mitchell Starc, with his slingy left-arm action, is one of the most destructive pacers in world cricket. He combines sharp pace, natural swing, and steep bounce — especially effective on hard, fast tracks in Australia and seaming conditions in England. His yorkers and bouncers can rattle the best batters, and he has the knack of picking up wickets in bunches.
With over 350 wickets in 100 Tests, Starc’s Test bowling average stands at 27.02, and his economy rate is 3.41. He has taken five or more wickets in an innings 16 times. His biggest strength is that he can break partnerships and dent batting line-ups within a spell — especially with the new ball or during reverse swing periods.
Jasprit Bumrah: The Master of Accuracy and Reverse Swing
Jasprit Bumrah, by contrast, is a phenomenon who defies traditional fast-bowling norms. His unusual action makes him hard to read, and his ability to bowl sharp yorkers, skidding deliveries, and reverse swing has made him lethal on every type of surface. Bumrah is as dangerous in Johannesburg or Oval as he is in Mohali or Ahmedabad.
What makes Bumrah stand out is his extraordinary consistency and control. In just 47 Test matches, Bumrah has taken over 200 wickets at an astonishing average of 19.48 — the best in Test history for anyone with 200+ wickets. His economy rate hovers around 2.7, and he already has 15 five-wicket hauls, nearly matching Starc’s tally in half the matches.
The Final Verdict: Who's More Dangerous?
While Starc has the advantage of experience, match-winning spells, and being a left-armer (a rare asset), Bumrah’s numbers are simply too extraordinary to ignore. An average under 20 in Test cricket, especially across all conditions, is nearly unheard of in the modern game. Add to that his ability to break partnerships, bowl with the old or new ball, and his consistent impact even on unhelpful pitches — and Bumrah edges ahead.
In pure wicket-taking frequency, Bumrah stands taller. He matches Starc’s five-wicket hauls despite playing 53 fewer Tests. His impact per match, coupled with control and economy, makes him arguably the most dangerous bowler in world cricket today.
