Learn about the Best Bowlers in the History of Cricket
The list of the best bowlers in Cricket is far from definitive but it shows a wide variety of success based on statistical data. To make a list, the bowler must average at least 22.5 runs per over, have a 55 SR, 2.75 economy and take at least four wickets in a test. Those who have these statistics can make the list, but not those who haven’t. Among the pacers, we can include McGrath and Hadlee.
Anil Kumble
Anil Kumble is one of the greatest bowlers in world cricket. He has played in over fifty tests and has picked up more than 500 wickets. He was the first Indian to reach this milestone and is currently the fifth-best bowler in history. He was also named Wisden Cricketer of the Year in 1999.
Kumble took 21 wickets in three Test matches against England in 2000. His average was 19.8. His performance was incredibly impressive and helped India win the match by an innings and a half. Kumble is also the leading wicket-taker for India in ODI cricket.
Glenn McGrath
Known for his accuracy and consistency, Glenn McGrath was an extraordinary bowler. He was a right-arm fast-medium seam bowler who was always a perfectionist. In fact, he believed that every time a batsman scored a six or boundary, it was because of his poor bowling, not because of the batsmen themselves.
He is the only cricketer to have taken over 250 wickets and scored more than 10,000 runs in both forms of the game. His pace was exceptional, and he was also much quicker than the average batsman. His bounce made it extremely difficult for batsmen to score runs, which helped other West Indian bowlers get wickets. However, his ability to get wickets was limited due to the fact that his home ground was not ideal for pace bowling.
McGrath’s wife, Jane, died of breast cancer in 2008, and his life has become a cause for charity. He has worked to raise awareness for breast cancer and has even renamed the Sydney Test as the Jane McGrath Day and Pink Test. He also serves as the director of the MRF Pace Foundation, which helps fight breast cancer.
Muttiah Muralitharan
Muttiah Muralitharan is the only bowler in history to take over 800 wickets in Test matches. This makes him the bowler with the most wickets in Test Cricket. His average of more than six wickets per Test match makes him the best bowler in the world. He has also taken 534 wickets in ODI matches.
Murali spent most of his domestic career in Sri Lanka, where he played for two first-class sides. His first-class cricket was mainly spent with the Tamil Union Cricket team, while he also represented Athletic Club in the Premier Trophy. Murali also played for the Central Province in the provincial championship.
Muralitharan was born to a Tamil Hindu family in the hill country of Kandy, Sri Lanka. He was the oldest of four brothers and grew up playing cricket. In his early years, he was criticized for his bowling style. Many critics saw him as an outsider and doubted his ability. In time, he became a highly effective bowler and was praised by cricket fans.
Wasim Akram
Throughout his career, Wasim Akram has been considered one of the best bowlers in cricket, and he is one of the most prolific bowlers in the world. Against Australia, Wasim Akram bowled brilliantly, taking 6 wickets and reducing the visitors to 223 in their first innings. In their second innings, he only gave away 98 runs and helped Pakistan win by 12 runs.
His delivery was a beauty to behold. He has the perfect action and stride. No other fast bowler has as beautiful a delivery stride and action. His run up was effortless and his ability to increase speed was remarkable.
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Dale Steyn
Dale Steyn is arguably the best bowler in the history of the game. He has a record of 180 wickets in 116 ODI matches, with three five-wicket hauls and a strike rate of 39.7, which is better than every Asian bowler except Waqar Younis. In the shortest format, Steyn has claimed 58 wickets from 42 T20I matches.
Steyn’s spell against Australia was sensational. He took four wickets in the final and helped his side to win the triangular ODI series 2-1. He also helped South Africa to win their first series in Sri Lanka in 20 years.
Shane Warne
Shane Warne is one of the most revered players in the history of the game. As a leg spin bowler, he revolutionized the game and dominated the game for 15 years. He has taken over seven hundred Test wickets, second only to Muttiah Muralitharan of Sri Lanka. Warne was named Wisden’s Leading Cricketer three times and is considered one of the best cricketers of the twentieth century.
Besides being a legend in the sport of cricket, Warne was also a humble man. He was an ordinary Australian with an extraordinary talent for spinning leather balls. He had an infectious smile, which radiated from his face and captivated people. His children attended a special memorial event for their father and spoke about the last time they had seen him. It was a day when he arrived at his daughter’s house to pick up his bag. Bryan Adams’ Summer of ’69 was playing in the background.
About the Author
Abhishek Rawat – I have been a fan of Cricket ever since I watched the 2002 NatWest Series Final on television. My memory of Dada’s celebration, Zaheer’s winning run, and Kaif’s extraordinary inning is still vivid. I played the sport growing up, and I still do occasionally. I also enjoy it on the web or television. My passion for the game has finally inspired me to start writing about it. I hope readers will use my articles as a platform to discuss this beautiful sport we call Cricket.