Table of Contents
Former England fast bowler Stuart Broad has made a huge statement about Jasprit Bumrah as he named his 10 greatest Test bowlers. He placed Jasprit Bumrah at No. 3 in his elite list, putting him ahead of several legendary names who dominated Test cricket for many years.
Broad’s ranking was based on the bowlers who had the biggest impact on his own cricket career. While James Anderson took the top spot and Glenn McGrath was ranked second, Bumrah got the third position, which left many surprised. Amid this, check: when did Jasprit Bumrah last play the Ranji Trophy? All you need to know.
Stuart Broad's Top 10 Test Bowlers
Broad's list featured some of the biggest names in fast bowling history.
10. Mitchell Johnson – Australia
Australia’s former left-arm fast bowler took 313 wickets in 73 Tests at an average of 28.40. He also recorded 12 five-wicket hauls and was known for his frightening pace and aggressive style.
9. Richard Hadlee – New Zealand
New Zealand legend Richard Hadlee got the ninth spot in Broad’s list. He has 431 wickets in 86 Tests at an excellent average of 22.29 to his name in Test cricket. Hadlee remains one of the greatest bowlers ever produced by New Zealand.
8. Pat Cummins – Australia
Australian captain Pat Cummins was placed eighth. Cummins has already taken 322 Test wickets in 74 matches at an average of under 22, showing just how effective he has been at the highest level.
7. Wasim Akram – Pakistan
Pakistan great Wasim Akram, who was known for his ability to swing the ball both ways, came in at No. 7. The legendary left-arm pacer took 414 wickets in 104 Tests at an average of 23.62.
6. Dale Steyn – South Africa
One of the most dangerous fast bowlers of his generation, Dale Steyn was ranked sixth by the former England pacer. Steyn finished his Test career with 439 wickets from 93 matches at an outstanding average of 22.95. He also claimed 26 five-wicket hauls in the format.
5. Curtly Ambrose – West Indies
West Indies legend Curtly Ambrose Broad ranked West Indies legend Curtly Ambrose fourth. the fourth spot by Broad. The 6-foot-7-inch Ambrose was known for his deadly right-arm pace, pinpoint accuracy, and calm, intimidating presence. He finished his Test career with an outstanding 405 wickets at an average of 20.99.
4. Shaun Pollock – South Africa
South African legend Shaun Pollock was placed fourth. He finished with 421 Test wickets at an average of 23.11. Pollock was one of the most dangerous bowlers of his era because of his reputation for accuracy, control, and consistency.
3. Jasprit Bumrah – India
Broad stunned many by ranking Jasprit Bumrah third despite still being in the middle of his Test career. He has taken 234 wickets in 52 Tests at an extraordinary average of just 19.79. His numbers are already historic. He is the only bowler in Test history to have an average below 20 after taking at least 200 wickets.
Broad was especially impressed by how Bumrah has managed to achieve these numbers while regularly playing Test cricket in India, where conditions can be very different from those that traditionally help fast bowlers.
The Indian pacer is known for his unusual run-up and bowling action. His ability to swing the ball into the batter, move it away, generate bounce, attack the stumps, and still produce serious pace makes him extremely difficult to handle.
2. Glenn McGrath – Australia
Legendary Australian fast bowler Glenn McGrath was ranked second by Broad. McGrath finished his Test career with 563 wickets in 124 matches at an outstanding average of 21.64.
McGrath’s accuracy, discipline, and ability to constantly hit the right areas made him one of the toughest bowlers to face during his era.
1. James Anderson – England
Broad has picked his former England teammate James Anderson at the number one position. Anderson finished his incredible Test career with 704 wickets at an average of 26.45. The legendary seamer is one of the most successful fast bowlers in international cricket history.
Stuart Broad showers rich praise on Jasprit Bumrah
Stuart Broad has made it clear that Jasprit Bumrah has the skills to go on and become one of the greatest, or even the best, fast bowlers the game has ever seen. Broad said on the Sky Sports YouTube channel, “He's still in the middle of his career and doing phenomenal things. But it's hard for me to think that I'll see a better bowler than him.
He's unique in how he runs up and delivers the ball. He is so hard to face and has an incredible out-swinger and an amazing in-swinger. He gets bounced and is rapid and can wobble the seam. So, his skill set in tests is outstanding. He averages under 20 while playing a lot of his games in India.” Amid this, Yuvraj Singh’s special Birthday wish for Abhishek Sharma video goes viral.
The Englishman added, “Bumrah is the complete package, and he's done it his own way. He has not followed the textbook or been moulded into something. He is the natural flow of a bowler. He gets the best players out and leads the team from the front. He also brings the fast-bowling drama and intrigue. Bumrah, every time he has the ball in his hand, I want to sit and watch.”
