Cricket is the game of thrill and entertainment, and the batsman often steal the show with their huge sixes and boundaries, and the fans do also loves it so its fair enough but when it comes to winning tournaments hen there is a great quote which says “Batsmen win you games, bowlers win you tournaments” A strong bowling attack is the key to win the games of any successful team and the history has also shown the importance of the great combination of bowlers weather you go with hazelwood and stark or bumrah and shami to win any tournament, your team need to have the best bowlers in your side. In this article, we will go through into the careers of the Top 10 Greatest Bowlers in Cricket History, who have delivered whenever there team need he most.
Top 10 Greatest Bowler in Cricket History
10. James Anderson (England 2002-2024)
James Anderson is the best fast bowler that ever played of England. he has played with three generations as his career was longer that 20 years, He has bowled to the likes of Sachin Tendulkar, troubled Virat kohli in his first tour of england and also bowled to young yashasvi jaiswal last year, He has played with three Generations as his cricketing career was longer that 20 years. He has taken a total of 991 wickets if we combined all formats, 704 in Tests which is the most by any fast bowler and 269 in ODIs too. He is among the all-time leading fast bowlers, Anderson has troubled the batsmen based on his natural ability to swing the ball both ways. He is considered to one of the most disciplined and accurate bowler fast bowlers has ever seen. He played a big part in the success of England in international cricket as he helped his side to win numerous series and tournaments .
9. Waqar Younis (Pakistan 1989-2003)
In the 1990s, when batsmen starts taking aggressive approach to other bowlers, Waqar Younis was one such bowler who made their blood run cold. The Pakistan great was a vital beast during his peak days for his country, taking 373 Test and 416 ODI wickets. Waqar Younis was an impressive talented cricketer who can do the allrounder things for his team as he can bat too according to the needs. He was particularly known for his ability to make the ball swing, which made him a greatest opponent on the field. He had a aggressive mindset while bowling, he always try to pick wickets and most of the time he got successful too. Younis is remembered as one of the best fast bowling partnerships in cricket with his pace partner bowler Wasim Akram.
8. Dale Steyn (South Africa 2004-2019)
Dale Steyn is one of the greatest fast bowlers that ever played test cricket for south africa, if we talk about his wicket taking stats then he has taken 439 wickets in Tests and 196 in ODIs and 64 in t20i. He was the number one ranked bowler in the ICC Test rankings for a record 263 weeks (or approximately 5 years consecutively ) which is most by any fast bowler in history of cricket, from 2008 to 2014, this tells how great bowler he was at his prime. His speed, accuracy, and ability to take wickets in any condition have made him a nightmare for even the great batsmen. He has played key role for South Africa’s most of the victories, including their series win over Australia in 2008. he may not have won any icc trophy in his caree, and his t20 records are also pretty decentr, but it wont harm the legacy of the grate bowler, his aggression after taking wicket will be remember for lifetime and will inspire to many fast bowlers.
7. Anil Kumble (India 1990-2007)
Anil Kumble is one of the greatest leg spinners in the history of cricket, he is an inspiration and a legend for every aspiring spinner not only just within India. His spell of 10/94 against Pakistan in Test cricket remains unforgettable, every one was amazed to see that, as no one had ever achieved that record at that time. With 619 wickets in Tests and 337 in ODIs, Kumble was instrumental for india specially when playing in India. During the 1990s to 2000s, he was a key player for India with his spin variations and aggressive nature to take wickets on each type of pitch and in any conditons. Kumble has a well-deserved reputation as one of the greatest spinners ever to play the game for india. He has chipped in with important wickets whenever need the most to get a big wins. He was known to bowl long spells that was in demand at-least in india to win matches. Kumble’s Captaincy skills also made him a successful captain and under his captaincy india have some several imports series.
6. Glenn McGrath (Australia 1993-2007)
Glenn McGrath was known for his accuracy as a fast bowler, who ruled batsmen for close to a decade. He was one of the iconic faces that played for Australia during their dominant phase. he has taken around 563 wickets in Tests and 381 in ODIs with a combined total of 949 if we add his t20i wickets too, this shows the greatness of McGrath. he was a regular wicket taker for mighty australia at that time and batted well too whenever needed, he was one of the most valuable player for australia. He was literally known to be a bowler how can do long spells frequently and pick wickets on any surface making him a nightmare for batsmen. His partnership with Shane Warne is considered to be one of the best Bowling Parterships in cricket history.
5. Wasim Akram (Pakistan 1985-2002)
The all-time great left-arm fast bowler of the game is known as Wasim Akram. he has taken 414 Test wickets and 502 ODI wickets.His pace, his swing and the ease at which he could take wickets on any surface made him a game-changing left-arm bowler and thats not it, his skills with the bat was also invaluable, this make a good all-rounder too. His was known for reverse swinging the ball as he could make it almost unplayable for even the great batsmen. he has been rated as one of the greatest fast bowlers ever born in pakistan. During the 1990s Pakistan was one of the strongest teams in the world and Wasim Akram, with his incredible personality and height, played a crucial role for Pakistan at that time. before him showing up into cricket Pakistani success rate had reduced a lot but after he began playing for Pakistan again it helped Pakistani team to win over many series and tournaments. Akram was also a brilliant captain of the side and his leadership was to inspire many laurels for the country.
4. Malcolm Marshall (West Indies 1978-1991)
in the 1980s tough and dangerous fast bowler Malcolm Marshall had played for west indies. he was a key player of Windies cricket during their prime years, when they were known as the best cricket team in the world,. he is the ninth leading wicket-taker for his country in Tests, he has taken around 376 wickets at an average of 20.94 in test match make him the most successfull bowler to give goosebumps to any batsman and he has also taken 157 wicket in odis too. Marshall was a game changer for his team, he has the ability to take wickets quickly and turn things upside down for his team. he was an all-rounder too, he has contributed useful runs for his team to win so many matches. He was a bowler who shows aggression with his bowling style, a bowler that shocked batsmen and always give his best for windies in every game of cricket that he played. Marshall was part of the ‘Big Four’ West Indies fast-bowling group, with Joel Garner and Michael Holding.t.
3. Sir Richard Hadlee (New Zealand 1973-1990)
Sir Richard Hadlee comes a certificate for being a pace-bowling great, with 431 Test wickets at 22.29 and 158 in ODIs, he is One of the most accurate and fastest bowlers at his time who could swing as well, Garth took fines in the 1970s and 80s, he was also handy with the bat as a part-time all-rounder. A fine enough captain but more recognized as a rock-solid seamer, Hadlee ended up being one of New Zealand’s better captains for his ability to take wickets and lead teams to series victories. With his capacity to bowl for long spells and do well on any pitch, he was every batsman s nightmare. The legacy of Hadlee still drives New Zealand cricketers in 2024.
2. Shane Warne (Australia 1992-2007)
Number two in our list is one and only legendry Shane Warne — with 708 wickets in Tests and 293 in ODIs, is nothing less than a leg-spin Superstar. He was a nightmare to face for every batsmen, his mastery of the craft and ability to turn the ball square have immortalised him as one of the greatest spinners of all time. Warne’s impact as a captain was felt on several occasions with his ability to take wickets in bunches and to make mindful decision’s under pressure made him a successful captain. Warne’s impact could be seen in the results Australia produced for years. Being a bowler who could bowl long spells and take wickets on most surfaces made it difficult for batsmen to even survive. To inpire Australian cricketer generations down the track is quite a legacy to leave.
1. Muttiah Muralitharan (Sri Lanka 1992-2010)
Muttiah Muralitharan is known as the best spinner that ever played in cricket history.,With a record breaking 800 wickets in Tests that is most wicket my any bowler in test history and 534 in ODIs make him nothing but a legend. in total he has taken around 1347 wickets if we add up t20i 13 wickets too.. His unorthodox action and variations made him virtually unplayable on many occasions that have established Muralitharan as one of the greatest spinners to ever play the game called cricket. His exploits with the ball, coupled with his leadership attributes enabled him to be an accomplished captain and he took Sri Lanka achieved several series wins. He was a nightmare for batsmen considering his capability of taking wickets anywhere on the earth or outside and bowling marathon spells. Muralitharan to this day remains an inspiration for a lot of Sri Lankan cricketers and his legacy can forever be felt in the island nation.
Those were the top 10 best bowlers in the history of cricket. the legendry mark of them will always be impossible to erase on the game that is called a cricket. Whether it be Muttiah Muralitharan with his unorthodox action, or James Anderson swinging the ball alarmingly both ways, a lot of bowlers have featured their awesome skills and excellence to the fans & made them say wow. Their other-worldly numbers, cricket relevant minds and everlasting histories have conferred their halls-of-fame positioning.
These mighty bowlers have added fun and unpredictability in the game, with there capability to pick wicket any time of the day can turn the game upside down. They have shown their game and contribution to the world over, thus is an inspiration for generations of cricketers and fans. Years from now they will be unforgettable.
These mighty bowlers have added fun and unpredictability in the game, with there capability to pick wicket any time of the day can turn the game upside down. They have shown their game and contribution to the world over, thus is an inspiration for generations of cricketers and fans. Years from now they will be unforgettable.