Top 5 Highest Wicket Takers in Ashes 2026

The Ashes 2025–26 series gave fans unforgettable matches, changing momentum, and brilliant individual efforts from both England and Australia. One of the biggest talking points of the tournament was the outstanding bowling performances by several fast bowlers, especially those who finished as the highest wicket takers in ashes 2026. Australia won the series 4–1 after clinching the fifth Test in Sydney by five wickets, successfully chasing 160 runs even after some nervous moments in the middle order.

England’s innings featured an excellent 154 by Jacob Bethell, while many other batters found the pitch difficult to handle. Australia’s chase was built calmly by Travis Head and Jake Weatherald, and later completed with maturity by Alex Carey and Cameron Green. But beyond the batting highlights, the real stars of the Ashes were the bowlers, whose pace, swing, accuracy, and wicket-taking spells shifted the course of matches and decided sessions.

List of 5 Highest Wicket Takers in Ashes 2026

5. Michael Neser – 15 wickets in 3 Tests

Michael Neser stands at number five among the highest wicket takers in Ashes 2026. Even though he played only three out of the five Tests, his impact was strong enough to put him in this elite list. Neser picked up 15 wickets in limited opportunities, showing great discipline and smart bowling throughout the series.

He bowled tight lines, kept the run rate under control, and built pressure on the England batters. His economy rate remained under four runs per over, which is very impressive in modern Test cricket. He also finished with a bowling average of under 20, proving how effective he was whenever handed the ball. Apart from bowling, Neser also contributed with the bat, adding handy runs in the lower order when the team needed stability.

Neser was a reliable backup option to senior Australian pacers like Pat Cummins and Josh Hazlewood. He never looked out of place in the playing eleven and consistently proved that he can deliver whenever called upon. This performance has strengthened his chances of being considered more regularly in future Ashes and major Test series. With such performances, he rightfully earned his place among the highest wicket takers in Ashes 2026.

Tests played	3
Total wickets	15
Economy rate	Under 4
Bowling average	Under 20
Role	Bowling all-rounder

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4. Josh Tongue – 18 wickets in 3 Tests

In fourth position on the list of highest wicket takers in Ashes 2026 is England fast bowler Josh Tongue. He took 18 wickets in only three Tests, proving how dangerous and effective he can be with the red ball. Tongue became one of the leading bowlers in England’s attack during the series, and his pace combined with accuracy made life difficult for Australian batters.

His standout performance came in the fourth Test at the Melbourne Cricket Ground (MCG), where he claimed a brilliant five-wicket haul. That spell helped England win the match inside two days and showed his ability to strike in quick bursts. He often broke key partnerships and changed the direction of the game within a few overs.

If he manages to maintain his fitness and avoid injuries, Josh Tongue has the potential to become one of England’s long-term fast-bowling options in Test cricket. His performance in this series ensured that his name remains strongly connected to the highest wicket takers in Ashes 2026 and underlined his capability as a match-winning pacer.

Tests played	3
Total wickets	18
Five-wicket hauls	1
Role in team	Lead fast bowler
Notable performance	Five-wicket haul at MCG

3. Scott Boland – 20 wickets in 5 Tests

Scott Boland secures the third spot among the highest wicket takers in Ashes 2026 after taking 20 wickets in five Tests. He was one of the most consistent bowlers of the series and troubled nearly every England batter he faced. Boland is known for his remarkable accuracy, subtle seam movement, and ability to use helpful pitch conditions, and he showcased all these strengths again in this Ashes contest.

He finished the series with a bowling average of 24.95 and an economy rate of 3.12. These numbers highlight not only his wicket-taking ability but also how effectively he controlled the scoring rate. Boland’s role was especially important when senior bowlers like Josh Hazlewood were unavailable. Even then, the Australian attack did not feel weak because Boland kept performing at a high level.

His steady spells built pressure and forced batters into mistakes, creating opportunities for wickets for himself and his teammates. With these qualities, it is no surprise that Boland’s name is regularly included among the highest wicket takers in Ashes 2026, and he continues to strengthen his reputation in Test cricket.

Tests played	5
Total wickets	20
Bowling average	24.95
Economy rate	3.12
Role	Fast bowler

2. Brydon Carse – 22 wickets in 5 Tests

England pacer Brydon Carse finishes at number two on the list of highest wicket takers in Ashes 2026 with 22 wickets in five Tests. He bowled with tremendous heart, energy, and aggression throughout the series. Carse delivered long spells, used the short ball cleverly, and constantly tried to unsettle the Australian batters.

With Jofra Archer and Mark Wood unavailable due to injuries, extra responsibility fell on Carse. He handled the pressure well and became one of England’s frontline fast bowlers during the series. Although his bowling average was above 30 and his economy rate reached 4.81, those numbers also show how attacking his bowling style was. Instead of simply defending, he always looked to take wickets.

Carse emerged as one of the bright spots for England in a series they eventually lost. His performances placed him firmly among the highest wicket takers in Ashes 2026 and proved that he has the potential to play a major role in future big series for England.

Tests played	5
Total wickets	22
Bowling average	Above 30
Economy rate	4.81
Role	Frontline fast bowler

1. Mitchell Starc – 31 wickets in 5 Tests

Mitchell Starc sits at number one and leads the chart of highest wicket takers in Ashes 2026. He delivered a spectacular performance across the series, taking 31 wickets in five Tests. His left-arm pace, swing, bounce, and ability to produce wicket-taking deliveries at critical moments made him the most dangerous bowler of the entire Ashes.

Starc maintained an economy rate of around 4.03 and a bowling average of below 20, highlighting how dominant he was against England’s batting lineup. One of his most notable achievements in the series was dismissing England captain Ben Stokes five times. This took his total career dismissals of Stokes in Test cricket to 14. He also removed Joe Root three times, further demonstrating his skill against top-order world-class batters.

More than just taking wickets, Starc repeatedly shifted momentum in Australia’s favour. Whenever the team needed a breakthrough, he was often the bowler who delivered it. His match-turning spells were a major reason Australia won the series 4–1. Because of this impact, he was deservedly named Player of the Series and stands unchallenged at the top of the highest wicket takers in Ashes 2026 list.

Tests played	5
Total wickets	31
Economy rate	4.03
Bowling average	Below 20
Times dismissing Ben Stokes	5 in this series
Player of the Series	Yes

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