Whenever we watch Cricket, we love to see batters smashing the bowlers for boundaries, and we enjoy this. In today's era, Cricket is becoming a batsmen-friendly game, as there is a restriction on boundaries and fielding. But some rare bowling pairs have troubled batters and become nightmares of batters. Bowlers like them would be a blessing for any team, as they can single-handedly win the matches. So, here's a list of the top ten greatest bowling pairs in cricket history.
1. Wasim Akram & Waqar Younis
Pakistan's Cricket is famous for producing some of the most legendary fast bowlers, and Wasim and Waqar are one of them. In cricket history, there is no bowling duo more lethal than them. During their playing days, Wasim and Waqar used to have a competitive spirit, which motivated them to take more wickets than others. Both the bowlers had different qualities, as Wasim was the Sultan of Swing, while Waqar's quick and lethal bowling became the nightmare of every batter. During the 90s, every batter in the world used to them.
2. Andy Roberts & Michael Holding
From the 70s to the 80s, the West Indies team was unbeatable, and no other team could think to beat them. They were unbeatable because of their fearless approach and bowlers. In the 70s, Andy Roberts and Michael Holding were the leading bowlers of the West Indies. They both are some of the greatest bowlers who used to fear all the batters in the world. Andy Roberts was the first bowler to bowl slower deliveries, one of the most effective deliveries in today's Cricket. Michael Holding was the nightmare of batters as he used to be a bowl-quick bouncer, which injured many batters.
3. Shaun Pollock & Allan Donald
Undoubtedly, South Africa is heaven for fast bowlers as this country has produced one of the best bowlers of all time, and two bowlers used to scare every batter. Shaun Pollock and Allan Donald were one of the best bowling pairs, as they both used to complement each other. Both had different abilities, as Shaun Pollock had variations and excellent swings in his bowling, while Allan Donald used to trouble every batter with his raw speed. During their prime, no batter wanted to face them.
4. Glenn McGrath & Brett Lee
Almost every cricket fan knows about this bowling pair. There was a time when Australia was an unbeatable team in which Glenn McGrath and Brett Lee played a huge role. During their prime, no batter could save himself from this pair: Glenn McGrath and Brett Lee combined accuracy, swing, and raw speed. Glenn McGrath was the most accurate bowler who used to dismiss batters with his correct line and length, while Brett Lee swung the bowl at 150 kmph.
5. Anil Kumble & Harbhajan Singh
Anil Kumble and Harbhajan Singh are one of the best spinners that India has ever produced. In the 2000s, these two spinners were the backbone of India's bowling lineup. Only in test cricket, Anil Kumble has 619 wickets, and Harbhajan took 417 wickets, which shows the impact of this bowling pair. Anil Kumble was a leg-spinner who used to bowl quickly by maintaining his accuracy. On the other hand, Harbhajan Singh used to spin and turn the bowl. This bowling pair has won many matches for India.
6. James Anderson & Stuart Broad
England is known for its overcast condition, complements their pitches, and bowlers take advantage of swing. James Anderson and Stuart Broad will top the list if we talk about swing. This bowling pair has single-handedly demolished the opponent's batting lineup. They both have played together for 15 years. James Anderson can deceive batters with his inswing and outswing, while Stuart Broad had the advantage of his height, which used to give him extra bounce on the pitch.
7. Trent Boult & Matt Henry
This is the bowling pair in which all cricket viewers will agree that this is the best bowling pair that New Zealand has ever seen. Trent Boult and Matt Henry complement very well to each other, and they also performed in big matches. In the 2019 semi-finals, they destroyed the Indian batting lineup. Trent Boult could swing the ball both ways, whereas Matt Henry bowls with accuracy and swing.
8. Dale Steyn & Morne Morkel
This was one of the most dangerous bowling pairs of all time. Dale Steyn is an all-time great bowler known as "Steyn Gun". On the other hand, Morne Morkel is known as "Flying Horse". Together, they both have won many games for South Africa. During their playing days, they used to trouble and scare every batter as they had great control of the ball. Dale Steyn could swing the ball in both ways, while Morne Morkel had a straight and accurate line & and length, which made it more difficult for batters to play it.
9. Jeff Thomson & Dennis Lillee
During the 90s, this bowling pair was the most lethal pair, who could trouble and scare any batsman. In the era of no proper helmets, every batter wanted to avoid facing this pair, as Jeff and Dennis were quick and dangerous. Jeff Thomson had very different and weird bowling action, which made him unique. He is also one of the fastest bowlers of all time. At the same time, Dennis Lillee used to bowl with accuracy.
10. Courtney Walsh & Curtly Ambrose
After Andy Roberts and Michael Holding, West Indies witnessed another great bowling pair. Courtney Walsh and Curtly Ambrose are among the most ruthless bowlers ever. In their cricketing career, they injured many batters by their lethal bouncer. They both have played 52 test matches together, in which they have taken more than 400 wickets, which shows their dominance in Cricket.
