Over the past decade or so, fans and fraternity have often suggested that cricket is increasingly becoming a one-sided affair with batsmen dominating the bowlers. The extra emphasis on shorter formats, coupled with the field restrictions in place, have further worked against the bowlers, especially pacers.
But, after suffering at the hands of batsmen for more than a decade, the fast-bowlers have regained some of their ground in the last couple of years. Coincidentally, the rise of some extraordinary fast-bowling talents has further sparked the re-emergence of fast bowlers in world cricket.
The Indian cricket team, especially, has been redefining their fast-bowling legacy. Hence, it can now be said that the art of fast bowling is in safe hands for the next decade or so. Meanwhile, we’ve curated a list of the best fast bowlers in the world at the moment across formats:
8. Shaheen Shah Afridi
Pakistan, historically, has been famous for producing world-class fast bowlers. From Imran Khan to Wasim Akram, from Waqar Younis to Shoaib Akhtar, the list goes on. But, the state of the current Pakistan fast-bowling group is quite disheartening, to be honest. Shaheen Shah Afridi, however, has been showing positive signs in his handful of appearances.
After pulling off some awe-inspiring performances in the 2019 World Cup, Afridi has cemented his place as the ace fast bowler of the team. So far, Shaheen has played 17 Tests, 25 ODIs and as many T20Is, scalping 58, 51 and 27 wickets, respectively. In short, Shaheen seems like a long term prospect.
7. Kyle Jamieson
Although born and bred in Auckland, Kyle Jamieson first gain the spotlight while playing for Canterbury. At 6’8”, Jamieson is the tallest bowler in the international circuit. Due to his huge build, Jamieson can trouble any batsman, regardless of the conditions. He has plenty of variations in his arsenal.
Jamieson made his Blackcaps debut in 2020, at the age of 25, against India at Eden Park. He has played 6 Tests, 5 ODIs and 8 T20Is, so far. Though his white-ball career is yet to elevate, Jamieson has been an asset for New Zealand in the purest format of the game. He has bagged 36 wickets at a strike rate of 13.27 in the purest format of the game.
All eyes will be on Jamieson when New Zealand face India in the final of the World Test Championship In Southampton, next month.
6. Josh Hazlewood
Josh Hazlewood is unarguably the most underrated fast bowler in the world at the moment. Just like his idol Glenn McGrath, Hazlewood is known for his pace and his line and length. Though his career has been halted by recurring back problems, he has continued to prove that the best of Josh Hazlewood is yet to come.
Hazlewood made his debut for Australia in 2014 and has also served as vice-captain of the Test team, following the aftermath of the infamous 2018 Newlands Test. He has been a regular part of the Test and ODI teams, bagging 212 and 88 wickets, respectively. He will be keen to prove his worth as Australia gears up for a busy summer of cricket in 2021.
5. Kagiso Rabada
Kagiso Rabada made his name as a teenager when South Africa toured India in 2015. He tormented the Indian batsmen with his sheer pace and helped the Proteas escaped the Indian shores with a 3-2 win in the ODI series, with Rabada finishing the sojourn as the leading wicket-taker.
Since then, Rabada has been tracing an upward curve in his cricketing graph. At 25, he has already taken more than 350 internationals, ruffling batting lineups all across the globe. Be it with the new ball or old ball, Rabada has the ability to bowl decisive spells at different stages of the game. In short, the Proteas can surely count on him to revive their glory days.
4. Jofra Archer
Born in Barbados, Jofra Archer had declared his intention to play for England soon after moving to the country, taking advantage of his British passport. He impressed in the County Championship, as well as in T20 leagues around the world, and made his debut in an ODI against Ireland in May 2019 and the rest as they say is history.
Archer made his presence felt in the World Cup and helped the Three Lions clinch their maiden 50-over championship. He then proved his mettle in the purest format as he lit up the 2019 Ashes with his fiery spells. So far, he has featured in 13 Tests, 17 ODIs and 12 T20Is, bagging 42, 30 and 14 wickets.
3. Jasprit Bumrah
With his unorthodox action, Jasprit Bumrah first grabbed the eyeball while plying his trade for the Mumbai Indians in IPL in 2013. After missing out on national selection a few times, Bumrah, on the back of his impressive domestic season, coupled with the injury to Mohammed Shami, got his maiden call-up in 2016 during India’s tour of Australia.
The 27-year-old was quick to make an impression as India swept the T20I series 3-0. Since then, Bumrah has been a regular part of the Indian team across all three formats. Over the years, Bumrah has successfully built a reputation for finding the blockhole in pressure situations.
So far, Bumrah has played 19 Tests, 67 ODIs and 50 T20Is, scalping 83, 108 and 57 wickets, respectively. He will be key to India’s success in the upcoming World Test Championship Final against New Zealand.
2. Trent Boult
Currently, New Zealand have the best bunch of fast bowlers in international cricket. The likes of Tim Southee, Neil Wagner, and Trent Boult have been consistent performers for the Kiwis over the years. Boult, who has been a part of the team for more than a decade, has been one of the most skilful pacers in the cricketing spectrum.
His ability to make the new ball do the talking is one of his biggest traits, apart from his sharp bouncers and toe-crushing yorkers. So far, Boult has played 71 tests, 93 ODIs, and 34 T20Is for New Zealand. He has scalped 281, 169 and 46 wickets, respectively. Once again, New Zealand will rely on him to end their ICC title drought in the upcoming WTC Final.
1. Pat Cummins
Recently turned 28, Pat Cummins made his debut in all three formats during Australia’s tour of South Africa in 2011 as an 18-year-old. However, injuries halted his growth as he went in and out the team for the next 6 years. It was only after 2017 that Cummins secured his place in the team across formats.
Currently serving as the vice-captain of the Test team, Cummins has been touted to lead the team in the near future. He is the leading wicket-taker in the World Test Championship (70) despite his team failing to make it to the finals. He is also the No. 1 bowler in Test cricket.
So far, Cummins has played 34 Tests, 69 ODIs and 30 T20Is, taking 164, 111, and 37 wickets, respectively. In fact, no one has picked up more wickets than Cummins in international cricket since 2017 (243).