Many people used to say that cricket is only a game for batters. But we have also seen many great bowlers in cricket history. For any bowler, his bowling action would be one of the most essential elements in his bowling. If a fast bowler has good bowling action, there will be less chance of any significant injury. Many great bowlers have one of the best bowling actions in cricket, and we have also copied their actions in childhood. So, here's a list of the top ten bowlers with the most beautiful bowling action.
1. Dale Steyn
Dale Steyn is one of the greatest fast bowlers of all time. Undoubtedly, he is the greatest bowler that South Africa has ever produced. But Dale Steyn also has one of the best bowling actions in cricket. He was a semi-open hip-dominated, and he used to build his momentum and bowling speed with every stride. Dale Steyn's bowling action helped him swing the ball and bowl at a raw pace. That's why he was the complete fast bowler. He has taken 439 wickets in tests, 196 wickets in ODI, and 64 wickets in T20I.
2. James Anderson
In 2002, James Anderson made his debut for England. After 21 years, he is an integral part of England's team. James Anderson has one of the best bowling actions and has not gone through any significant injury in his career. James Anderson is consistent in his run-up, and his front foot remains stable at the time of ball release. James Anderson can swing the ball both ways and is one of the best bowlers in test cricket. In his career, James Anderson has taken 690 wickets in tests, 269 wickets in ODI, and 18 in T20I.
3. Glenn McGrath
Glenn McGrath is one of the greatest fast bowlers in Australia. He was one of the main pillars of the Australian team. Undoubtedly, Glenn McGrath is the most accurate bowler with a beautiful bowling action. Glenn Mcgrath was a front-on-hip-dominated bowler, and he used to have a very still head position at the time of ball release. Despite his low speed, Glenn McGrath is among the greatest bowlers ever. He took 563 wickets in tests, 381 wickets in ODI, and 5 in T20I.
4. Wasim Akram
Wasim Akram was one of the most dangerous bowlers for any batsman. Many batsmen have admitted that he is the toughest bowler to play. Wasim Akram could swing the ball in any condition. He was a side-on fast bowler from the backfoot. Even though Wasim had a very short run-up, he used to generate pace from his forward jump and arm speed. There was no lateral flexion in his bowling action, which helped him swing the ball in both ways. Wasim Akram has 916 wickets in international cricket.
5. Mitchell Johnson
Almost every cricket fan knows about Mitchell Johnson. In his prime, every batter in the world used to fear him. After Glenn McGrath and Brett Lee, Mitchell Johnson took the bowling legacy of Australia. He has one of the best bowling actions in cricket. Mitchell Johnson had a very steady run-up but an excellent forward jump in bowling. Because of his effective forward jump, he used to generate his pace. Mitchell Johnson used to bowl quickly at 145 kmph in his playing days. In his career, he has taken 590 wickets across all formats.
6. Shane Bond
Shane Bond is the most lethal and fastest bowler that New Zealand has ever produced. He was the bowler who could quickly bowl at 150 Kmph. Shane Bond has one of the most beautiful bowling actions in cricket. He used to have an excellent impulsive step with the rock back of his above body. Shane Bond used to have a perfect arc for any side-on fast bowler to generate pace. In his career, Shane Bond has taken 87 wickets in tests, 147 wickets in ODI, and 25 in T20I.
7. Brett Lee
Although cricket has seen great fast bowlers, Brett Lee was one of the fastest in cricket history. In his prime, every batter used to fear him because of his dangerous bouncers. Brett Lee has one of cricket's best and most beautiful bowling actions. He used to have one of the most rhythmic runs with proper cyclic movement. Brett Lee had many key attractors like Impulsive steps, Backfoot contact, and Front foot contact. In his career, he has taken 718 wickets across all formats.
8. Trent Boult
If anyone has to pick one of the finest fast bowlers in modern cricket, it will be Trent Boult. Trent Boult is one of the greatest fast bowlers that New Zealand has ever produced. He is a semi-open in-betweener bowler, and his upper and lower bodies make perfect contact at the time of ball release. Trent Boult has a quick run and builds momentum in his run-up. Trent Boult has one of the most beautiful bowling actions in modern-day cricket and has taken 602 wickets in international cricket.
9. Zaheer Khan
Zaheer Khan is one of the best and most skillful bowlers that India has ever produced. He was famous for his line and length. In the 2011 World Cup, Zaheer Khan was the leading wicket-taker. Zaheer Khan had a good run-up and excellent finish, which helped him to bowl accurately. He was a semi-open bowler from backfoot contact, and his run-up included a high jump. Zaheer Khan has one of the most beautiful bowling actions in cricket. In his cricketing career, he has taken 610 international wickets.
10. Mohammad Amir
Mohammad Amir is one of the most talented and complete fast bowlers that Pakistan has ever produced. He is one of the rarest bowlers who can swing the bowl at a raw pace. Mohammad Amir has intense, repeatable action and run, so he is consistent with his line and length. Mohammad Amir has one of the best bowling actions in cricket. In his career, he has taken 259 international wickets.
