Gold standard: The best bowlers in modern cricket history
Since the 1990s, cricket has undergone a huge transformation due to the introduction of new play styles and the rise of some players. Amid that growth, bowlers have become the driving force for shaping matches through fiery pace or an unhittable spin.
Batters often dominate the headlines, but the bowlers turn the game around on its head. Have a look at the gold standard of modern cricket through the many bowlers who could be among the greats.
What makes a great modern-day bowler?
In modern cricket, greatness cannot be defined by only one trait. A great bowler combines many traits and attributes to reach their ceiling. They leave a lasting mark on the game by exhibiting specific qualities. Here are some of them:
- Skill - The ability to swing, seam, spin, or outwit the opponent’s batter is the foundation of being an elite bowler. That should be done with a high skill level, with precision and variation being a big part of their bowling technique.
- Adaptability - Since cricket spans multiple formats like Tests, One-Day Internationals (ODIs), and T20s, bowlers must do well across all these formats. They should thrive from a long grind of a five-day Test or the high intensity across a short spurt like the T20. If they can adapt well, that is a hallmark of greatness for the bowler.
- Consistency - Aside from being able to play across formats, it is also important to be a reliable player. A top bowler plays at a consistent level against low-level and high-level competition. That must involve a strong control over the game, mental strength, and technical mastery.
Glenn McGrath (Australia)
Glenn McGrath was one of the best fast bowlers in the world, and he did not have to rely on sheer pace. He had an immaculate line and length, which made it hard to hit his bowls. He also practised with solid discipline, as he could extract all kinds of movement with the ball on any surface. He was always accurate, making the batters’ lives harder.
Australia was dominant in the late 1990s and early 2000s, cementing itself as a cornerstone. He was a big part of the Test side’s success, getting 563 Test wickets and 381 ODI scalps as an example of how he did during his time with the national team.
In ICC tournaments, McGrath loved playing under pressure. He finished as the all-time leading wicket-taker in men’s Cricket World Cups with 71 wickets. McGrath stood out with his consistency and impact on the biggest stages in cricket, making him one of the modern era’s greatest fast bowlers.
Dale Steyn (South Africa)
Dale Steyn is one of the best examples of raw pace combined with immense skill. The South African quick bowler was known for consistently bowling over 145 kilometres per hour. He swings the ball late to trouble even the best batters. The aggressive style and fiery personality made him one of the toughest fast bowlers of the modern era.
He was superb across all three formats, particularly in Test cricket. He was dominant in Tests, getting 439 wickets in only 93 Test matches. That made him one of the greatest ever bowlers in Test cricket.
Steyn had a solid strike rate, as he placed himself alongside the greats statistically. Apart from the numbers, Steyn was unforgettable in challenging conditions, as he was a leader for South African cricket.
Steyn was a true game-changer who created a lasting legacy of high-level fast bowling. He was always a tough player to go against, as he made the batters’ lives harder for South Africa across many formats.
James Anderson (England)
Known as the ‘King of Swing’, James Anderson mastered the art of moving the ball both ways with surgical precision. He had strong control of seam and swing, which dismantled the top batting lineups around the world. He was superb whenever he played in England, as he was always comfortable standing out in his home country.
Anderson sustained his brilliance across different formats. However, he stood out in Test cricket, as he amassed over 700 wickets in the format. That is the most by any fast bowler in history, cementing his place as the linchpin for England’s attack for two decades.
The adaptability kept him relevant, as he continued to stand out in an evolving sport. He refined his techniques to remain effective against the younger batters. Anderson is more than a record-breaker; he is a symbol for England due to his resilience and excellence. His age was not an issue, as he mastered cricket as he matured.
Shane Warne (Australia)
Shane Warne was more than a bowler; he was a phenomenon who was known for his leg spin. He had an arsenal of variations with the flipper, slider, googly, and the ripping leg-break. Warne mesmerised batters and made spin bowling an attacking weapon again.
He transcended mere numbers with his 708 Test wickets and countless match-winning spells. Warne inspired a generation of spinners, and that has made him one of the most charismatic and smartest players in modern cricket.
Muttiah Muralitharan (Sri Lanka)
Muttiah Muralitharan was a craftsman at work as the off-spinner for Sri Lanka. He rewrote the record books with 800 Test wickets, the most in history. He had a mastery of his ability to spin on many surfaces, as he changed the pace of his bowl for a long period.
Muttiah carried Sri Lanka on his back for over a decade, which made him one of the most complete bowlers ever. He is the rightful example of a star player for a country. Sri Lankan cricket has been inconsistent since Muralitharan retired. They might have won the 2014 T20 World Cup without him, but they are not as consistent as they were with Muralitharan.
Those are the modern era’s best bowlers, and the position will continue to have new stars moving forward.
