Bowling has been always seen as one of the most significant aspects of test cricket. From fiery fast bowlers to spin wizards, bowling in the test is nothing sort of an art. Today we will look at the top 10 test bowlers who have performed across countries and have shown their worth in the oldest format of the game.
1. Richard Hadlee
Hadlee was one of the best bowlers during his era, picking 431 wickets in 86 matches at an average of 22.30. The former Kiwi bowler has a Strike rate of 50.85 in Test which is 2nd least in bowlers who have taken 400 wickets, only behind Dale Steyn, but considering the support Hadlee had, it makes his performance even more outstanding.
2. Glenn McGrath
McGrath was one of the significant reasons for Australian dominance in the 90s. He has picked 563 wickets in 124 matches at an average of 21.64 and an impressive Strike rate of 51.95. McGrath was known for bowling accurately at a high pace which made it difficult for batters to play him. He averages less than 30 in every country except Pakistan. His performance in both the away and home games confirmed his entrance into this list.
3. Muttiah Muralitharan
A legendary spinner, Murali has the highest wicket in test cricket and proves to be a match-winning spinner even in away conditions. He has picked 800 wickets at an average of 22.73 and an impressive strike rate of 55.05. His performance away from home is quite commendable with below 20 averages in England and New Zealand, which is quite outstanding for any spinner.
4. Dale Steyn
The South African fiery fast bowler had the rare skill of swinging deliveries at a high pace at an accurate length. Steyn has picked 439 wickets at an average of 22.95 and a strike rate of 42.39, which is the best Strike rate for any bowler who has picked more than 300 wickets. The African fast bowler was one of the most threatening bowlers who dominated test cricket across the venue. He held the no.1 ranking for more than 2000 days which is the highest for any bowler.
5. Malcolm Marshall
A legendary cricketer from the West Indies, Marshall had the rare ability of bowling both outswing and inswing. Marshall, in his test career picked 376 wickets in 81 matches at an average of 20.95 and a strike rate of 46.77, his strike rate is phenomenal, which shows his ability to take wickets. His best came in England where he had six 5-fer and one 10-fer.
6. Shane Warne
The legendary spinner from Australia, Warne is the 2nd highest wicket-taker in test cricket. He has picked 708 wickets at an average of 25.42 and an impressive Strike rate of 57.49. The spin wizard was one of the significant reasons for Australia's domination in that era and has produced many magical spells.
7. Curtly Ambrose
Another legendary West Indies bowler on the list, 6ft 8 inch tall Ambrose was one of the most lethal fast bowlers of his era. Ambrose had picked 405 wickets in 98 matches at an average of 20.99 and a strike rate of 54.58.
8. Allan Donald
The South African pacer, also known as 'White Lightning', Donald had a classical action with a high pace that was enough to destroy the opposition. Donald, who was known for his hostile pace bowling, has picked 330 wickets in 72 matches at an average of 22.25 and an impressive strike rate of 47.03.
9. Wasim Akram
The legendary Pakistani bowler, Wasim Akram was one of the greatest bowlers of all time. He has picked 414 wickets in 104 matches at an average of 23.62 and an impressive strike rate of 54.65. Often regarded as the best left-arm pacer, Akram was known for seam and swing at a high pace that only few could play.
10. Sydney Barnes
The English fast bowler was regarded as one of the finest bowlers to ever play. Barnes had picked 189 wickets at an average of 16.43 and an impressive strike rate of 41.66. Barnes could swing the ball both ways and also had art of late swing which made him the most dangerous bowler of his era.
