Kumar Sangakkara Picks The Best Bowlers Of The Modern-Era

Kumar Sangakkara, former Sri Lankan captain and champion batsman, has named Australian pair of Nathan Lyon, Mitchell Starc, Englishman James Anderson and India’s Jasprit Bumrah as the best bowlers of the current era.

The former wicketkeeper-batsman recently engaged in an Instagram Live session with former Zimbabwe cricketer-turned commentator Pommie Mbangwa, where he asked to pick the best batsmen and bowlers of the modern era.

Sangakkara went on to hail Australia’s most successful off-spinner Nathan Lyon for the way he has gone about his business in the past few years despite being an orthodox spinner in an era of flat pitches and big bats.

“I think when it comes to spin, you have to admire Nathan Lyon. What he has done over the last few years, it has been incredible. The way he has bowled, it was not easy for any orthodox bowler coming in the game with his modern-day batsmen. He is incredible, probably worth saying; he is the best spinner,” said Sangakkara.

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Kumar Sangakkara picks the best fast bowlers of the current era

When it came to fast bowling, Sangakkara picked the highest-wicket-taker (by a pacer) in the history of Test cricket, England’s James Anderson, especially in English conditions.

“When it comes to a fast bowler, in English conditions, you have to go with a guy like James Anderson; he is exceptional,” Sangakkara added.

But when it came to bowlers who can bowl in almost every condition, the former Sri Lankan captain went on to pick Australia’s Mitchell Starc and Indian spearhead Jasprit Bumrah.

“But you also have to go with guys who can bowl in any conditions, so guys like Mitchell Starc, maybe even Jasprit Bumrah if he can keep his fitness. They are the kinds of bowlers who can challenge the batsmen with the kind of firepower they have,” added the 42-year-old.

When it came to choosing the all-time great bowlers, Sangakkara had no hesitation in picking his compatriot and the highest-wicket-taker in both ODI and Test cricket Muttiah Muralitharan and Pakistan legend Wasim Akram as his favorites.

Also Read: Kumar Sangakkara Rates Muttiah Muralitharan As The Best Spinner To Ever Play The Game