Discover the ten best bowlers in the world of all time in Cricket history. From swing masters to spin wizards, these legendary and the greatest bowlers in the world have left an indelible mark on the game, captivating fans with their exceptional skills and performances.
Cricket, a sport often associated with elegance and sportsmanship, has witnessed the rise of numerous exceptional bowlers over its course. These remarkable individuals have demonstrated incredible skills, talent, and a consistent ability to outsmart batsmen. From masters of swing to fearsome pacers, spin sorcerers to lethal quicks, cricket has been graced with a diverse range of bowling brilliance. In this article, we delve into the depths of cricket’s past to pay tribute to the greatest 10 bowlers of all time, whose performances have captivated fans and ignited the ambitions of aspiring cricketers for generations to come.
Top 10 Best Bowlers in the World
1. Malcolm Marshall
Malcolm Marshall, a late West Indian great, had raw pace, accuracy, and skill. His ability to move the ball troubled batsmen worldwide. Marshall took 376 Test wickets at an average of 20.94, earning his place among cricketing legends. Despite his relatively small stature, Marshall’s determination, aggression, and match-winning performances made him highly respected and among the best bowlers in the world. He could adapt to different conditions, making him a valuable asset for the West Indian team.
Bowling Career Summary
| M | Inn | B | Runs | Wkts | BBI | BBM | Econ | Avg | SR | 5W | 10W | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Test | 81 | 151 | 17584 | 7876 | 376 | 7/22 | 11/89 | 2.69 | 20.95 | 46.77 | 22 | 4 |
| ODI | 136 | 134 | 7175 | 4233 | 157 | 4/18 | 4/18 | 3.54 | 26.96 | 45.7 | 0 | 0 |
2. Glenn McGrath
Glenn McGrath, an Australian player, was known for his accuracy and control. His precise line and subtle variations in seam and swing troubled batsmen. McGrath took 563 Test wickets, the highest at the time of his retirement for a fast bowler. With an average of 21.64 and an astonishing economy rate of 2.49, he frustrated opposition batsmen. McGrath’s ability to hit the perfect length consistently and use any movement from the pitch made him a great bowler.
Bowling Career Summary
| M | Inn | B | Runs | Wkts | BBI | BBM | Econ | Avg | SR | 5W | 10W | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Test | 124 | 243 | 29248 | 12186 | 563 | 8/24 | 10/27 | 2.5 | 21.64 | 51.95 | 29 | 3 |
| ODI | 250 | 248 | 12970 | 8391 | 381 | 7/15 | 7/15 | 3.88 | 22.02 | 34.04 | 7 | 0 |
| T20I | 2 | 2 | 48 | 79 | 5 | 3/31 | 3/31 | 9.88 | 15.8 | 9.6 | 0 | 0 |
3. Wasim Akram
Wasim Akram is one of the best bowlers in the world of all time. The Pakistani left-arm fast bowler revolutionized the art of fast bowling. He was a master of swing, seam, and reverse swing, constantly confusing batsmen with his skills. Akram took 414 Test wickets and 502 ODI wickets, showcasing his impact across formats. He could perform with both bat and ball, making him a true great of the game. Akram’s variations, deadly yorkers, and ability to swing the ball made him a nightmare for batsmen.
Bowling Career Summary
| M | Inn | B | Runs | Wkts | BBI | BBM | Econ | Avg | SR | 5W | 10W | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Test | 104 | 181 | 22627 | 9779 | 414 | 7/119 | 11/110 | 2.59 | 23.62 | 54.65 | 25 | 5 |
| ODI | 356 | 351 | 18186 | 11812 | 502 | 5/15 | 5/15 | 3.9 | 23.53 | 36.23 | 6 | 0 |
4. Muttiah Muralitharan
Muttiah Muralitharan, a Sri Lankan spinner, is considered the most successful bowler in cricket history. His unique bowling action and sharp spin troubled batsmen. Muralitharan took 800 Test wickets at an incredible average of 22.72, cementing his place among the greats. His mastery of the “doosra” and accuracy made him almost impossible to play. Despite early controversies about his bowling action, Muralitharan silenced critics with consistent outstanding performances. His success and ability to take wickets consistently made him a bowling phenomenon.
Bowling Career Summary
| M | Inn | B | Runs | Wkts | BBI | BBM | Econ | Avg | SR | 5W | 10W | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Test | 133 | 230 | 44039 | 18180 | 800 | 9/51 | 16/220 | 2.48 | 22.73 | 55.05 | 67 | 22 |
| ODI | 350 | 341 | 18811 | 12326 | 534 | 7/30 | 7/30 | 3.93 | 23.08 | 35.23 | 10 | 0 |
| T20I | 12 | 12 | 282 | 297 | 13 | 3/29 | 3/29 | 6.32 | 22.85 | 21.69 | 0 | 0 |
5. Dale Steyn
Dale Steyn, a South African fast bowler, combined speed, accuracy, and movement to be a feared bowler. Steyn swung the ball at a fast pace, delivering thunderbolts with precision. With 439 Test wickets at an average of 22.95, he was one of the most feared bowlers of his time. Steyn’s ability to generate late swing and perform against strong batting line-ups showcased his class and determination. Dale Steyn is the best bowlers in the world from South Africa.
Bowling Career Summary
| M | Inn | B | Runs | Wkts | BBI | BBM | Econ | Avg | SR | 5W | 10W | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Test | 93 | 171 | 18608 | 10077 | 439 | 7/51 | 11/60 | 3.25 | 22.95 | 42.39 | 26 | 5 |
| ODI | 125 | 124 | 6256 | 5088 | 196 | 6/39 | 6/39 | 4.88 | 25.96 | 31.92 | 3 | 0 |
| T20I | 47 | 47 | 1015 | 1175 | 64 | 4/9 | 4/9 | 6.95 | 18.36 | 15.86 | 0 | 0 |
6. Curtly Ambrose
Curtly Ambrose, a tall West Indian paceman, intimidated batsmen with his height and unplayable deliveries. Standing at 6 feet 7 inches, Ambrose extracted bounce and pace to dismantle batting line-ups. He took 405 Test wickets at an average of 20.99, consistently troubling batsmen with accuracy and bounce. Ambrose’s ability to move the ball off the pitch made him a formidable force. He played a crucial role in West Indies’ dominance during the 1980s and 1990s.
Bowling Career Summary
| M | Inn | B | Runs | Wkts | BBI | BBM | Econ | Avg | SR | 5W | 10W | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Test | 98 | 179 | 22103 | 8501 | 405 | 8/45 | 11/84 | 2.31 | 20.99 | 54.58 | 22 | 3 |
| ODI | 176 | 175 | 9353 | 5429 | 225 | 5/17 | 5/17 | 3.48 | 24.13 | 41.57 | 4 | 0 |
7. Sir Richard Hadlee
Sir Richard Hadlee, a legendary New Zealand player, is considered one of the best all-rounders in cricket history. While he was a good batsman, it was his bowling that made him stand out. Hadlee’s ability to swing the ball both ways and his accuracy made him a constant threat to batsmen. With 431 Test wickets at an average of 22.29, he was a nightmare for batting line-ups worldwide. His consistency and match-winning performances made him a master of his craft.
Bowling Career Summary
| M | Inn | B | Runs | Wkts | BBI | BBM | Econ | Avg | SR | 5W | 10W | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Test | 86 | 150 | 20770 | 9611 | 431 | 9/52 | 15/123 | 2.78 | 22.3 | 48.19 | 36 | 9 |
| ODI | 115 | 112 | 6118 | 3407 | 158 | 5/25 | 5/25 | 3.34 | 21.56 | 38.72 | 5 | 0 |
8. Shane Warne
Shane Warne, an Australian leg-spinner, changed the way leg-spin bowling was perceived. With his turning deliveries, flight, and control, Warne mesmerized batsmen. He took 708 Test wickets, including 37 five-wicket hauls, showing his mastery of spin bowling. Warne’s ability to spin the ball on any surface and deceive batsmen with his variations made him a match-winner. His famous “Ball of the Century” delivery to dismiss Mike Gatting is legendary. Warne’s personality, aggressive mindset, and ability to perform on big stages made him one of the greatest cricketers.
Bowling Career Summary
| M | Inn | B | Runs | Wkts | BBI | BBM | Econ | Avg | SR | 5W | 10W | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Test | 145 | 273 | 40705 | 17995 | 708 | 8/71 | 12/128 | 2.65 | 25.42 | 57.49 | 37 | 10 |
| ODI | 194 | 191 | 10642 | 7541 | 293 | 5/33 | 5/33 | 4.25 | 25.74 | 36.32 | 1 | 0 |
9. Courtney Walsh
Courtney Walsh, a West Indian pace bowler, was known for his resilience and consistency. He was accurate and posed a persistent challenge to batsmen. Walsh took 519 Test wickets, the highest by any fast bowler until McGrath surpassed him. His ability to generate bounce and seam movement made him a formidable competitor. Despite playing in a time when West Indies’ dominance declined, Walsh excelled and led the bowling attack. His work ethic and consistent accuracy made him highly valuable to his team.
Bowling Career Summary
| M | Inn | B | Runs | Wkts | BBI | BBM | Econ | Avg | SR | 5W | 10W | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Test | 132 | 242 | 30019 | 12688 | 519 | 7/37 | 13/55 | 2.54 | 24.45 | 57.84 | 22 | 3 |
| ODI | 205 | 204 | 10822 | 6918 | 227 | 5/1 | 5/1 | 3.84 | 30.48 | 47.67 | 1 | 0 |
10. Jimmy Anderson
Jimmy Anderson, an English swing bowler, is a modern-day legend. Known for swinging the ball both ways, he is one of the greatest fast bowlers in cricket history. With about 700 Test wickets, he is the highest wicket-taker among fast bowlers. Anderson’s ability to exploit even slight movement in the air or off the pitch, combined with his control, makes him a constant threat. He excels in English conditions, tormenting opposition batsmen. Anderson’s record-breaking performances and ability to deliver under pressure have made him a true great. Jimmy Anderson is one of the most famous and best bowlers in the world.
Bowling Career Summary
| Format | M | Inn | B | Runs | Wkts | BBI | BBM | Econ | Avg | SR | 5W | 10W |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Test | 181 | 337 | 38755 | 18032 | 688 | 7/42 | 11/71 | 2.79 | 26.21 | 56.33 | 32 | 3 |
| ODI | 194 | 191 | 9584 | 7861 | 269 | 5/23 | 5/23 | 4.92 | 29.22 | 35.63 | 2 | 0 |
| T20I | 19 | 19 | 422 | 552 | 18 | 3/23 | 3/23 | 7.85 | 30.67 | 23.44 | 0 | 0 |
These ten bowlers, each with their own unique style and skills, have left an indelible mark on the history of cricket. Their exceptional performances, unwavering determination, and relentless pursuit of excellence have made them true icons of the game. From swing to spin, accuracy to raw pace, these bowlers have showcased the immense artistry and skill that define the art of bowling in cricket. Their exploits on the field have inspired generations of cricketers and captivated fans around the world. As cricket continues to evolve, it is these legendary figures who serve as a reminder of the immense talent and brilliance that the game has witnessed throughout its storied history.
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