Fast bowling has always captivated cricket fans, with many bowlers leaving a remarkable legacy through their unique actions and impressive performances.
Here’s a look at the ten best fast bowling actions in cricket history, presented in descending order.
ALSO READ: Top 10: Unbreakable Cricket Records
10. Zaheer Khan (India)
Zaheer Khan, a left-arm fast bowler, was known for his mastery of both inswing and outswing. His ability to disguise his grip and maintain a nagging line and length made him a challenging opponent for batsmen.
Over his career, he claimed 610 international wickets, leaving a significant mark on Indian cricket.
9. Jofra Archer (England)
Jofra Archer emerged as a sensational fast bowler, renowned for his rhythmic run-up and powerful delivery. Despite facing injury challenges, he made a memorable impact during the 2019 World Cup, particularly in the final, where his performance was crucial in securing England’s victory.
8. Glenn McGrath (Australia)
Glenn McGrath is celebrated as one of the most successful seam bowlers in cricket history. While he may not have possessed raw pace, his consistent line and length, combined with a high-arm action and perfect wrist position, allowed him to take 849 wickets across formats, solidifying his legendary status.
7. Wasim Akram (Pakistan)
Often hailed as the “King of Swing,” Wasim Akram revolutionized fast bowling with his exceptional skill in reverse swing.
His shorter run-up focused on wrist position and delivery stride, enabling him to achieve remarkable success, including key wickets in the 1992 World Cup final.
6. Trent Boult (New Zealand)
Trent Boult, a left-arm fast bowler, is known for his ability to swing the ball, even with the white ball. His compact action generates significant pace, allowing him to bowl a fuller length, making him a dangerous opponent for any batsman.
5. Brett Lee (Australia)
Brett Lee’s action was characterized by his explosive run-up and powerful delivery stride. He made history as the first Australian since Dennis Lillee to take five wickets on debut in 1999. Lee’s speed and athleticism made him a thrilling bowler to watch.
4. James Anderson (England)
As the leading seam bowler in Test cricket, James Anderson has perfected his action to achieve exceptional swing. His ability to generate movement both in the air and off the pitch has made him a key player for England, with a memorable spell against New Zealand in 2008 where he took 7 wickets for 43 runs.
3. Dale Steyn (South Africa)
Dale Steyn is celebrated for his bustling run-up and fierce stare at the batsman. He is one of the most accurate bowlers in history, with 439 Test wickets to his name.
His best performance came in 2007 against New Zealand, where he took ten wickets in a match, demonstrating his skill and precision.
2. Dennis Lillee (Australia)
Dennis Lillee was a formidable presence on the field, known for his aggressive bowling style. Making his debut in 1971, he quickly established himself as a legend, finishing his career with 355 Test wickets.
His dynamic action and fierce competitiveness made him a nightmare for batsmen.
1. Michael Holding (West Indies)
Michael Holding, famously known as “Whispering Death,” is renowned for his smooth and silent run-up, which belied the sheer pace he delivered.
His standout performance came during the 1976 Test at The Oval, where he took 14 wickets, showcasing his remarkable ability to deceive batsmen with speed and bounce.
ALSO READ: Top 10: Greatest All-Rounders In Cricket History
