In cricket, finding the “best bowler in the world” is about more than just stats; it’s about impact, skill, and unforgettable performances. Every bowler, from quick pacers to skilled spinners, brings something unique to the game. This article explores why some bowers are unique and what they’ve achieved to be so.
For fans who know the game well, the best bowlers don’t just bowl a good ball; they adapt, think ahead, and stay calm under pressure. Across Test, ODI, and T20 formats, these bowlers set the standard for others, each in their own way.
Here, we take a closer look at some of the best bowlers in the world of cricket, examining the skills and moments that have earned them this honour.
Top 10 Bowlers Of All Time
These bowlers are some of the best in cricket history. They’ve taken loads of wickets, made amazing plays, and set records that new bowlers aim to match:
| Rank | Bowler | Country | Best Figures | Total Wickets | Key Achievements |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Joel Garner | West Indies | 6/56 | 405 | Known for his consistent pace and bounce |
| 2 | Richard Hadlee | New Zealand | 9/52 | 589 | Renowned for his swing and seam |
| 3 | Shaun Pollock | South Africa | 7/87 | 829 | Effective with both bat and ball |
| 4 | Muttiah Muralidaran | Sri Lanka | 9/51 | 1347 | Legendary spinner with a wide range of variations |
| 5 | Glenn McGrath | Australia | 8/24 | 949 | Consistent fast bowler with excellent accuracy |
| 6 | Dennis Lillee | Australia | 7/83 | 458 | Iconic fast bowler with aggressive approach |
| 7 | Malcolm Marshall | West Indies | 7/22 | 533 | Known for his pace and swing |
| 8 | Curtly Ambrose | West Indies | 8/45 | 630 | Dominant fast bowler with intimidating presence |
| 9 | Michael Holding | West Indies | 8/92 | 391 | Legendary fast bowler with smooth action |
| 10 | Bob Willis | England | 8/43 | 405 | Effective with his pace and bounce |
| 11 | Shane Warne | Australia | 8/71 | 1001 | Consistent performer with spin magic |
| 12 | Wasim Akram | Pakistan | 7/119 | 916 | Master of reverse swing and swing |
| 13 | Brett Lee | Australia | 5/22 | 690 | Known for his raw pace and aggression |
| 14 | Lasith Malinga | Sri Lanka | 6/38 | 540 | Known for his unique round-arm action and yorkers |
| 15 | Shoaib Akhtar | Pakistan | 6/11 | 444 | Known as the fastest bowler in the world |
Detailed Analysis Of Top 10 Best Bowler In The World
Now let’s take a closer look at the top 10 bowlers in detail:
1. Joel Garner
| Parameter | Value |
|---|---|
| Career Span | 1977-1987 |
| Best Figures | 6/56 |
| Total Wickets | 405 |
Joel Garner, nicknamed “Big Bird” for his towering height, was a relentless fast bowler who terrorized batsmen worldwide. His long reach and high-arm action allowed him to generate unplayable bounce, especially effective on any surface.
With best figures of 6/56, Garner was a critical force in the West Indies’ famous pace attack of the 70s and 80s. His ability to bowl deadly yorkers was one of the best, which made him almost impossible to face.
2. Richard Hadlee
| Parameter | Value |
|---|---|
| Career Span | 1973-1990 |
| Best Figures | 9/52 |
| Total Wickets | 589 |
Sir Richard Hadlee, a legendary New Zealand bowler, set new standards in fast bowling. Known for his remarkable swing and seam movement, Hadlee’s best figures of 9/52 reflect his ability to destroy batting lineups single-handedly.
His accuracy and strategic approach made him a match-winner, and he often carried New Zealand’s bowling attack alone.
Hadlee took 589 international wickets and was the first bowler to reach 400 Test wickets, a milestone then. His performances were instrumental in several historic wins for New Zealand, and he has one of the best bowling figures in a match.
3. Shaun Pollock
| Parameter | Value |
|---|---|
| Career Span | 1995-2008 |
| Best Figures | 7/87 |
| Total Wickets | 829 |
Shaun Pollock was known for his metronomic accuracy, consistently bowling precise lines and lengths to build pressure. With best figures of 7/87 and a total of 829 international wickets, Pollock was South Africa’s go-to bowler.
Being amongst the best bowlers of his time, his calm demeanour and ability to control runs made him a stabilizing force in the team, while his skill with the bat added depth to South Africa’s lineup.
4. Muttiah Muralidaran
| Parameter | Value |
|---|---|
| Career Span | 1992-2011 |
| Best Figures | 9/51 |
| Total Wickets | 1347 |
Muttiah Muralidaran, Sri Lanka’s spin wizard, transformed the art of off-spin bowling. Known for his unique action and extreme spin, Murali’s best figures of 9/51 showcase his ability to dominate matches.
His record of 1,347 wickets across formats is unmatched, making him one of the best spinners in the world. His variations and mastery of the doosra left batsmen clueless.
Muralitharan was central to Sri Lanka’s bowling strategy, especially on turning pitches where his skills shined brightest.
5. Glenn McGrath
| Parameter | Value |
|---|---|
| Career Span | 1993-2007 |
| Best Figures | 8/24 |
| Total Wickets | 949 |
Glenn McGrath’s control and accuracy were the defining traits of his great bowling career. Known for his relentless ability to bowl precise line and length, McGrath’s best figures of 8/24 illustrate his knack for dismantling batting orders.
He took 949 wickets across formats, proving himself indispensable to Australia’s golden era in cricket. His precision made him one of the most feared bowlers of his time.
Rather than relying on sheer pace, McGrath focused on outsmarting batsmen, often dismissing key players with subtle variations.
6. Dennis Lillee
| Parameter | Value |
|---|---|
| Career Span | 1971-1984 |
| Best Figures | 7/83 |
| Total Wickets | 458 |
Dennis Lillee was one of the most iconic fast bowlers of the 1970s and 80s, famous for his aggression and passion on the field.
His best figures of 7/83 and 458 career wickets reflect his skill and competitive spirit. Lillee’s fiery pace and sharp bouncers put fear in batsmen, while his partnership with Jeff Thomson became legendary.
Known for his resilience, he returned stronger after a serious back injury. Lillee’s impact on Australian cricket and his contributions to the fast-bowling legacy remain unmatched, marking him as one of the game’s all-time greats.
7. Malcolm Marshall
| Parameter | Value |
|---|---|
| Career Span | 1978-1991 |
| Best Figures | 7/22 |
| Total Wickets | 533 |
Malcolm Marshall was known for his deceptive pace and lethal swing, which made him a vital part of the West Indies’ dominant pace attack.
His best figures of 7/22 and 533 international wickets show his ability to dismantle batting lineups easily. Marshall could swing the ball both ways, often leaving batsmen guessing.
As a shorter, fast bowler, Marshall relied on technique and sharpness rather than pure speed. His skills made him adaptable to all conditions, and his dedication earned him respect worldwide.
8. Curtly Ambrose
| Parameter | Value |
|---|---|
| Career Span | 1988-2000 |
| Best Figures | 8/45 |
| Total Wickets | 630 |
Curtly Ambrose, with his towering height and focused demeanor, was an intimidating bowler for the West Indies. His best figures of 8/45 and 630 wickets highlight his consistency and effectiveness.
Known for his accuracy and bounce, Ambrose’s ability to exploit any pitch made him a tough challenge for batsmen.
Ambrose’s calm intensity and discipline on the field earned him immense respect. He played a crucial role in maintaining West Indies’ bowling dominance through the late 80s and 90s.
9. Michael Holding
| Parameter | Value |
|---|---|
| Career Span | 1975-1987 |
| Best Figures | 8/92 |
| Total Wickets | 391 |
Michael Holding, aptly nicknamed “Whispering Death” for his silent approach, was one of his time’s smoothest yet fastest bowlers.
His best figures of 8/92 highlight his capacity to bowl long, punishing spells, dismantling batting lineups. With 391 wickets to his name, Holding was a crucial part of the legendary West Indies pace attack.
Holding’s graceful action and raw speed made him a nightmare for batsmen, and his calm demeanor only added to his intimidation.
10. Bob Willis
| Parameter | Value |
|---|---|
| Career Span | 1971-1984 |
| Best Figures | 8/43 |
| Total Wickets | 405 |
Bob Willis was a relentless and determined fast bowler for England, known for his long, energetic spells. His best figures of 8/43 and a career tally of 405 wickets demonstrate his ability to swing momentum in England’s favor.
Willis’s fiery performance in the 1981 Ashes remains one of cricket’s most iconic moments.
Willis’s pace and bounce made him a constant threat, and his dedication to the game earned him admiration. As a leader, he inspired his teammates and left a lasting impact on English cricket.
Upcoming Top 3 Bowlers
Take a look at the bowlers who are currently sitting at the top of the rankings in different formats:
1. Jasprit Bumrah
Jasprit Bumrah, India’s spearhead in fast bowling, is known for his unique action and deadly yorkers. With exceptional control and pace, he tops the ICC ODI rankings, proving his worth as one of the world’s best.
2. Keshav Maharaj
South Africa’s Keshav Maharaj is a top-rated left-arm spinner renowned for his accuracy and variations in Test cricket. His ability to extract turn, and deceive batsmen makes him a crucial figure in South Africa’s Test success.
3. Adil Rashid
England’s Adil Rashid is a highly skilled leg-spinner who currently leads the ICC T20I rankings. Known for his sharp googlies and variations, he consistently troubles batsmen and plays a vital role in England’s white-ball dominance.
Conclusion: Joel Garner Is The Best Bowler In The World
As we wrap up, it’s clear that these bowlers have left a mark on cricket in their own way. From record-breaking performances to game-changing spells, they’ve shown why they’re regarded as some of the best in the world.
Their skill, consistency, and ability to handle high-pressure situations set them apart. These bowlers don’t just lead with numbers; they bring a depth of understanding and strategy that fans and players respect.
Watching them bowl reminds them of the artistry and challenge involved in this craft and that it is not just a batsman’s game, after all!
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