Top 10 Best Bowlers in Cricket History
Cricket is a sport defined by moments of brilliance, and nowhere is that more evident than in the art of bowling. Over the years, we've seen bowlers who could swing the ball with magical precision, others who had the ability to break through the toughest batting line-ups with their pace, and spinners who could bamboozle even the best with their turn and flight.So who stands among the greatest to ever grace the field? There's no shortage of names that come to mind - legends who could turn the tide of a match with a single over.
When thinking about the best, you might consider everything from their ability to take wickets in key moments, their consistency over time, or perhaps the sheer fear they instilled in batsmen. No matter your criteria, each bowler on this list has made a significant impact on the game, and this is your chance to weigh in on who deserves the most recognition.
Wasim Akram is a former Pakistani fast bowler, widely regarded as one of the greatest left-arm pacers in cricket history. He took 916 international wickets across formats and was known for his deadly reverse swing and ability to move the ball both ways. Wasim Akram was quick and a master of swing and seam. Although subcontinental pitches do not support fast bowling, Wasim Akram managed to move the ball in both directions and took more than 900 wickets.
Known as the "Sultan of Swing," he took over 400 Test wickets and holds the record for the most wickets in ODIs (502) and List A cricket (881). With an average of 23.62 in Test matches from 104 appearances, his record is impressive. He is one of only three bowlers to record two hat-tricks in Test cricket and one of three to achieve the same feat in ODI cricket.
Shane Warne was an Australian leg-spinner who is considered one of the finest bowlers in the history of the game. He took over 1,000 international wickets, known for his sharp turn and mastery of flight and deception. "Warnie," as he was known by all proud Australians, was not given much of a chance when his test career first began in January 1992 at the age of 22 against India. In two Tests, his overall figures were 1 for 228, not exactly a promising start.
The next tour was the Ashes series of '92-'93, where Warne took 34 wickets and became, in my opinion, the best bowler of any kind ever to grace the pitch.
Just like Sir Donald Bradman, who was the greatest batsman ever in history and will never be matched, Warne is the greatest bowler in history and will also never be matched.
Test Record - 708/3,154 @ 4.45 runs per wicket. This is more important than balls bowled per wicket, I feel, simply because this is the way that most spectators view an over. They know there are 6 balls (provided no wides or no-balls are bowled) per over, but are more interested in how many wickets are taken compared to how many runs are scored. This is the best average of runs per wicket ever by a bowler who has played more than 100 tests for their country.
Brett Lee is a former Australian fast bowler who consistently bowled at speeds exceeding 150 km/h. He claimed over 700 international wickets and was known for his ability to bowl fast and maintain accuracy. I love him on the battlefield. He's one of the greatest bowlers in cricket, and he is my favorite player forever. Though he has retired from international cricket, he will always be in my memory. No one will be there in cricket like Brett Lee in this era, and everyone loves him due to his unique style of bowling.
So I love him. Not only me, everyone loves him. In my opinion, the world's number 1 bowler is Brett Lee.
Why does Lee have only 5% of the votes? He is faster and better. He pitches the ball right up to the batsman, and he is the most feared bowler when he is at his best. I'm sorry to say, but this is the worst list ever created! He should be at the top. In fact, he is better than Warne. Anyway, Lee, if the list says no too, you're the best!
Glenn McGrath, an Australian fast-medium bowler, was renowned for his accuracy and ability to extract bounce on any surface. With over 950 international wickets, he is one of the most successful fast bowlers in history. He was ranked the number one player by the Australian Cricket Board for eight years of his playing career, receiving the top contract over other players like Warne, Waugh, Hayden, Ponting, and Gilchrist. He was the best player on the best team of all time.
He also ended his career as the Player of the World Cup, having reached four finals and won three. All of this was achieved while his wife, Jane, struggled with cancer.
Laugh out loud, there is something wrong with the list! I am Indian, but I have no problem saying that Harbhajan doesn't belong up there. Come on, just because he is Indian, don't support him for that reason alone! And yeah, Glenn McGrath is simply the best!
Dale Steyn is a South African fast bowler known for his express pace and accuracy. He is one of the leading wicket-takers in Test cricket, with over 400 wickets, and was particularly feared for his reverse swing and late movement. Currently, he is easily the best bowler in the world. I don't care who you are or what the pitch is like. It could be flat as concrete, but if Dale Steyn is running into you, you're always a little nervous.
Unlike most swing or seam bowlers who need helpful conditions, Dale makes things happen by consistently being in the right area at an uncomfortable speed.
Best bowler of all time. He is so good under pressure, and when you are hoping for him to play well, he steps up and takes five wickets for the team! Dale Steyn is the best cricketer of all time!
Muttiah Muralitharan, a Sri Lankan off-spinner, holds the record for the most wickets in both Test and ODI cricket, with 800 Test wickets. He was known for his unique bowling action and extraordinary ability to spin the ball sharply. He made spin bowling attacking and he is the number one bowler according to the statistics. He has more than ten wickets and five-wicket hauls in Test cricket and is the leading wicket-taker in the ODI format as well.
Those who compare his wicket tally with Warne and say that he took more wickets against Bangladesh and Zimbabwe should remember that when Warne was playing, most of the non-Asian teams, including England, always struggled against spin, which makes the wickets against those teams much easier. Also, Warne often picks off the bottom half of the batting lineup after the pacers clean the top order, which makes Murali a much better bowler than him.
Harbhajan Singh is an Indian off-spinner who became the first Indian bowler to take a hat-trick in Test cricket. He took over 700 wickets across formats, relying on his ability to extract sharp spin from the surface. The one and only Bhajji. Singh is the king. He is the best off-spinner currently in the world and the best bowler to deliver the 'Doosra'.
He is the best bowler in the world. He is an amazing spinner, and he is also famous for his helicopter shot. His action is also good.
He has played for India for many years and still holds his ground on the team.
Shoaib Akhtar, a former Pakistani fast bowler, holds the record for delivering the fastest ball in cricket history at 161.3 km/h (100.23 mph). His career spanned across formats, where he was known for his raw pace and aggression. Yes, but Viv Richards would've put him into the grandstands, even with the toothpick bat he had in his day. Jeff Thomson was the quickest I've seen, and they say Frank Tyson was even quicker!
Shoaib Akhtar is a superb bowler. He can knock out almost everyone. Nearly every batsman is scared of him. When he bowls, no one could hit a six.
I love his action and his superb speed. I think that he is the best bowler in the world. I love his yorkers and bouncers.
Zaheer Khan is an Indian fast bowler who became known for his mastery of reverse swing and his ability to adapt to different conditions. He took over 600 international wickets, and his contributions were pivotal in India's overseas victories. For me, he is always among Indian greats like Sachin, Kapil, Gavaskar, Ganguly, Dravid, and many others. India wouldn't have attained the number one spot in Tests without this guy, nor even won the WC 2011. Generally, fast bowlers are considered more brawn than brains, but this guy, along with the likes of Wasim and Anderson, has made a strong statement that "Bowlers do utilize their brains even while bowling at 140 km/h."
The best Indian bowler ever is Zaheer Khan. His ability to swing the ball both ways is just awesome. No one could match him in this type of bowling, and I think he is now the world's best.
Waqar Younis is a former Pakistani fast bowler known for his lethal reverse swing and toe-crushing yorkers. He took over 700 wickets in international cricket and formed a formidable partnership with Wasim Akram. I think he must stand in the 1st position. The reason for this is that he is brave in his technique of bowling, very athletic, has a superb run-up, and excellent command over swing. Innovations in cricket such as the Waqar special and deadly swinging yorkers are his specialty. He is also the master of reverse swing.
In your list, none of the bowlers have such capabilities. So, it is requested to consider him in your top ranking. I mean number 1.
I've never understood why Wasim gets so much more acclaim than Waqar. They're both equally great, in my view, and Waqar was without a doubt one of the most lethal bowlers of all time. He had pace, violent late swing, brilliant yorkers, and superb control of late swing with the old ball.
To have him behind Steyn, Akhtar, Lee, and (especially) Zaheer Khan is completely ludicrous. He's an all-time legend.
The Newcomers
Very good, Hardik Pandya. I think you are the best bowler in India.
You are the best bowler in India. Keep it up.
Seriously, this guy is unbelievable and has lots of variations in his bowling. Please watch him if you have time, then leave comments.
My team is Australia, but he made me fall in love with his bowling when I saw his devastating performance against India.
He is the best bowler in Bangladesh. Currently, I think he is one of the best bowlers in the world.
He has many variations in his bowling, including a special off-cutter and an excellent yorker.
He has almost become a legend at this young age! We hope that he will one day be the number one bowler of all time.
Mitchell Johnson is a former Australian fast bowler known for his aggressive pace and bounce, regularly bowling at over 150 km/h. He took over 590 international wickets and was particularly effective in Test series like the 2013 - 14 Ashes. He really proved himself in the Premier League. He doesn't belong at the top with the great bowlers of cricket history, but he really deserves to be at least an honorable mention.
He is the best fast bowler. He is important for team Australia. He is very fast.
Anil Kumble is a former Indian leg-spinner who became one of the few bowlers to take all 10 wickets in a single Test innings. He retired with over 950 international wickets and was known for his accuracy and bounce rather than large amounts of spin. Anil Kumble should be in the top three. He has been one of the most consistent bowlers for India. He took 10 wickets in a test match against Pakistan. He is one of the leading wicket-takers in Test cricket.
He is also a great T20 bowler. He has a great record in the IPL. He can read the batsman's mind and is regarded as India's best bowler of all time.
No one can read a batsman's mind better than him. He is the man with the most number of variations.
His bowling may seem simple, but that's where his power comes from. It looks simple, but it's not. Records show how successful he has been for India.
He is a world-class bowler who can destroy any batting order. He is a great off-spinner, and his doosra is one of the most difficult balls to play.
I think that Saeed Ajmal is the best bowler. No one can stand against his doosra and teesra.
He is just the best bowler ever! I like him a lot!
Imran Khan, a former Pakistani fast bowler and captain, led Pakistan to its first Cricket World Cup victory in 1992. He took over 500 international wickets and was known for his leadership and ability to reverse swing the ball. The best cricketer and the best politician in the world. He won us the World Cup and is now going to set up Pakistan.
How is Malinga ranked ahead of him? He's amazingly good at both ball and bat, unlike many others on this list.
The best captain and bowler who can bat whenever his team is in danger.
This guy is definitely a top-10 bowler of all time. Some might even argue top 5! Does no one voting here have any cricket knowledge? Come on, do yourself a favor and read up, and check some YouTube clips of AD. You will definitely learn a few things.
Devastating bowler and great fighter. He should be in the top 10. In my childhood and teenage years (80s and early 90s), some names used to create fear in my mind - Wasim Akram, Waqar Younis, Richard Hadlee, etc. - but Ambrose and McDonald top that scary list of my memories.
He has great pace, accuracy, swing, and aggression - all things that one fast bowler needs.
James Anderson is an English fast bowler who holds the record for the most wickets by a fast bowler in Test cricket, with over 650 wickets. He is known for his exceptional control, swing, and ability to exploit English conditions. I feel that he is so consistent and unplayable at the start of the spell. I have seen him make greats of the game look like fools. He deserves to be higher up the list than he is currently.
Wow, what a player! Swinging, nipping, he's a nightmare to play against in his conditions. Even on dead tracks in Dubai, he performed well. What an inspiration!
King of Swing: best of his era. He is 100% the best "fast" bowler since McGrath and definitely belongs in the top 5 of all time.
Ravichandran Ashwin is an Indian off-spinner who has taken over 700 international wickets, excelling in both Tests and limited-overs formats. Known for his variations, he is one of the most successful spin bowlers in modern cricket. He is a very economical bowler who has an excellent temperament and a tough mind. He torments the batsmen with his variations, like the carrom ball.
At the time I viewed this page, Ravichandran Ashwin was ranked 17th. He is the next Shane Warne, the best bowler before he retired. He should at least be in the top 5.
The best spinners and young talent who can change cricket history. Ashwin is a wonderful bowler who has taken 5-wicket hauls many times. Young Indians can face any batsmen using his carrom ball.
One of the best opening bowlers in world cricket history.
Definitely underrated. You should watch YouTube.
A hero does not expect a number 1 rank. He is the hero.
Sunil Narine is a West Indian off-spinner known for his variations and mystery spin in limited-overs cricket. He has taken over 400 wickets in T20 and ODI formats and is also a valuable lower-order batsman. The most talented bowler of all time. Nobody can face him perfectly.
He is the best spinner of 2014, and his knuckleballs are awesome.
He is the best spinner. He should be the first bowler.
Lasith Malinga, a Sri Lankan fast bowler, is known for his distinctive round-arm action and pinpoint yorkers. He is one of the leading wicket-takers in T20 cricket and a key figure in Sri Lanka's limited-overs success. Now he's playing in his final stage, but he is still bowling brilliantly. He's the number one fast bowler of all time.
He is the king of yorkers. He can take many wickets with both in-swing and out-swing.
He is the best bowler of all time and also the only bowler to get three hat-tricks in the world. He is amazing! Truly a Lankan Lion.
Shaun Tait, an Australian fast bowler, was known for his extreme pace, regularly bowling over 150 km/h. He had a short but impactful international career, particularly in limited-overs cricket. He is the first bowler to hurt AB!
Mohammad Amir is a Pakistani fast bowler known for his left-arm swing bowling and early success in international cricket. His career has been marked by controversy, but he remains one of the fastest bowlers to reach key milestones. Dude, whoever you are, you are making a mistake by putting M. Amir at 33. He should be in the top 5. He is the most talented and best swinger of pace I've ever seen in my life, and he's only 19. He is the real king and the master of swing bowling.
What can I say about this guy?
I am speechless. He's the most amazing bowler in cricket history.
At a very young age, he can swing the ball both ways.
Man, he is much better than Wasim and others.
He should be at the top of the list.
So much talent. Wasim Akram said he started off just as strong as I was at my peak. He will be back hopefully for the World Cup.
Very good - all the old bowlers have something to say about this young Pakistani talent, who is taking bowling to another level.
Bhuvneshwar Kumar is an Indian swing bowler renowned for his ability to swing the ball both ways in favorable conditions. He has taken over 250 wickets in international cricket and is also known for his accuracy and economy rate. I don't know what to say about Bhuvneshwar Kumar. He is a brilliant bowler in history and also good-looking. He has the ability to get wickets with a new ball. Whatever I say is insufficient for him.
I've never seen such a great bowler like him. When I first saw Bhuvi in his debut match, I was surprised. His best in T20 career is 3-9, and for me, that's a superb score. Whether anyone believes it or not, he is really the best for me.
Just for your information, I'm Pinky. Thanks for giving me such an opportunity to see you at this very early age. You're really my idol. I love you, Sir Ji!
Fred Trueman, an English fast bowler, was the first player to take 300 Test wickets. Known for his fiery personality and pace, he is regarded as one of the greatest fast bowlers in cricket history. There has never been a better bowler than Fred. He had to battle the snobby suits - the English selectors at Lords - who avoided picking him for England on many occasions because they didn't like his fiery behavior and attitude to authority. If he had been picked as often as he should have been, his average and wickets taken would be much better.
Strong as an ox, very fast, and fiery, he was very intimidating to batsmen. He could move the ball any way he chose. He is truly the greatest and the true number 1.
Having seen "Fiery Fred" in my youth, I feel I can compare some of the greats of yesteryear with today's greats. Freddie Trueman is up there with the best.