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Former England fast bowler Stuart Broad and current batting superstar Jos Buttler have picked the 10 best Test bowlers of this century. From Indian pace star Jasprit Bumrah to Australian legends Shane Warne and Glenn McGrath, their list features some of the biggest names of the game.
The Englishmen picked the bowlers who troubled batters with their special skills and match-winning performances in the longest format of the game in their YouTube podcast ‘For The Love of Cricket.'. Earlier, Jos Buttler shares first update after successful surgery.
Stuart Broad and Jos Buttler reveal Top 10 Test bowlers
During their long discussion on the ‘For The Love of Cricket’ podcast, Stuart Broad explained what makes a great Test bowler, while Buttler revealed that former Australia fast bowler Mitchell Johnson was the toughest Australian quick he had faced.
After discussing the qualities of great bowlers since 2000, Stuart Broad and Jos Buttler finalized a list led by the legendary late spinner Shane Warne, with James Anderson and Jasprit Bumrah also making the top three. Interestingly, the Australian speedster Mitchell Starc was given the 10th spot.
Stuart Broad and Jos Buttler's Top 10 Test Bowlers of this Century –
Mitchell Starc (Australia)
Starc takes the 10th spot for his ability to trouble batters with his left-arm pace and swing. He has taken 445 wickets in 107 Test matches at an average of 26.12. His dangerous yorkers and ability to swing the ball at high speed have made him a major threat to batters around the world.
Shaun Pollock (South Africa)
Pollock is known for his accuracy and ability to bowl in the right areas for long periods. He picked up 421 wickets in 108 Tests at an average of 23.11. The Proteas' great control, seam movement, and patience were enough to force batters into mistakes in his era.
Kagiso Rabada (South Africa)
Rabada has already established himself as one of the best fast bowlers of the modern era. He has claimed 340 wickets in 73 Tests at an average of 22.03. He's dangerous because of his athleticism and ability to keep the pressure on, even for long stretches. Rabada can also get reverse swing to trouble batsmen.
Dale Steyn (South Africa)
Steyn was one of the most feared fast bowlers of his time. The former South African pacer has taken 439 wickets in 93 Tests at an average of 22.95. His smooth bowling action, intense pace, and sharp outswing helped him to trouble the batter across the world, even on the tricky pitches.
Muttiah Muralitharan (Sri Lanka)
Muralitharan was given the sixth place on the list by the Englishman. The Sri Lanka legend is one of the greatest Test bowlers after taking an incredible 800 wickets in 133 Test matches at an average of 22.72. His unique spin bowling, sharp turn, and famous doosra made him extremely difficult to read.
Pat Cummins (Australia)
Australia captain Cummins has earned his place at the fifth because of his pace, bounce, and consistency. He has taken 322 wickets in 74 Tests at an average of 21.91. Cummins’ ability to hit the pitch hard and extract extra bounce makes him a difficult bowler to face.
Glenn McGrath (Australia)
McGrath was a master of accuracy and patience. The Australian legend finished his Test career with 563 wickets in 124 matches at an average of 21.64. His biggest strength was his ability to target the top of the off stump repeatedly while getting just enough movement to beat the bat.
Jasprit Bumrah (India)
Broad and Buttler have picked Jasprit Bumrah in third place for his unusual action, pace, and ability to produce match-winning spells. The fast bowler has already claimed 234 wickets in 52 Tests at an average of under 20. Bumrah’s sharp movement, accurate yorkers, and clever changes of pace make him dangerous in different conditions.
James Anderson (England)
England legend Anderson is ranked second by his former teammates. Anderson finished his career with 704 wickets in 188 Tests at an average of 26.45. His swing bowling and remarkable longevity made him one of the finest fast bowlers the game has ever seen.
Anderson could move the ball late in the air and use seam movement to trouble batters, especially in conditions that helped the swing bowler in the longest format of the game.
Shane Warne (Australia)
Australian legend Warne was picked at the number one spot. Warner played a key role in bringing leg-spin bowling back into the spotlight and became famous for his ability to turn the ball sharply. He finished his Test career with 708 wickets in 145 matches at an average of 25.41.
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