by Cricket is a game of both bat and ball. While batsmen get most of the spotlight, bowlers are the real match-winners.
Without great bowling, no team can win matches consistently. Bowlers take wickets, stop runs, and create pressure that leads to victories.
The Best Bowlers in Cricket History have changed the game forever. They’ve taken hundreds of wickets, destroyed batting lineups, and given us moments we’ll never forget.
From fast bowlers who bowl at lightning speed to spin wizards who turn the ball like magic, these legends have set records that inspire future generations.
If you’re new to cricket and want to understand how the game works, check out our detailed guide on “15 Rules of Cricket“ – it covers everything from LBW to DRS in simple language perfect for beginners.
Understanding the rules will help you appreciate these bowling legends even more!
For regular cricket updates, player analysis, match predictions, and expert insights, visit CricketBureau.com – your trusted professional cricket blog covering everything cricket fans need to know.
Best Bowlers in Cricket History
In this article, we’ll explore the top 15 highest wicket-takers in international cricket, understand what made them special, and learn why they’re considered the greatest bowlers ever to play the game.
Top 15 Best Bowlers in Cricket History (Ranked by Wickets)
| Rank | Bowler Name | Country | Career Span | Total Wickets | Best Figures | Bowling Style | Key Achievement |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Muttiah Muralitharan | Sri Lanka | 1992-2011 | 1,347 | 9/51 | Off-spin | Most wickets in cricket history |
| 2 | Shane Warne | Australia | 1992-2007 | 1,001 | 8/71 | Leg-spin | Greatest leg-spinner ever |
| 3 | Anil Kumble | India | 1990-2008 | 956 | 10/74 | Leg-spin | Only bowler with 10 wickets in a Test innings |
| 4 | James Anderson | England | 2003-present | 700+ | 7/42 | Fast-medium | Most Test wickets by a fast bowler |
| 5 | Glenn McGrath | Australia | 1993-2007 | 949 | 8/24 | Fast-medium | Most accurate fast bowler |
| 6 | Wasim Akram | Pakistan | 1984-2003 | 916 | 7/119 | Left-arm fast | Sultan of Swing |
| 7 | Courtney Walsh | West Indies | 1984-2001 | 806 | 7/37 | Fast | First to 500 Test wickets |
| 8 | Dale Steyn | South Africa | 2004-2019 | 699 | 7/51 | Fast | Greatest modern fast bowler |
| 9 | Stuart Broad | England | 2007-2023 | 604 | 8/15 | Fast-medium | England’s second-highest wicket-taker |
| 10 | Kapil Dev | India | 1978-1994 | 687 | 9/83 | Fast-medium | First to 400 Test wickets |
| 11 | Rangana Herath | Sri Lanka | 1999-2018 | 433 | 9/127 | Left-arm spin | Best left-arm spinner in Tests |
| 12 | Curtly Ambrose | West Indies | 1988-2000 | 630 | 8/45 | Fast | Most feared fast bowler of the 90s |
| 13 | Shaun Pollock | South Africa | 1995-2008 | 829 | 7/87 | Fast-medium | Master of line and length |
| 14 | Lasith Malinga | Sri Lanka | 2004-2019 | 546 | 6/38 | Fast | Death bowling specialist |
| 15 | Mitchell Starc | Australia | 2011-present | 350+ | 6/43 | Left-arm fast | Best current ODI bowler |
Why These Are the Best Bowlers in Cricket History?
Before we dive into each bowler’s story, let’s understand what makes a bowler truly great:
- Wickets: The number of batsmen they’ve dismissed throughout their career
- Consistency: Performing well in all conditions and against all teams
- Match-winning ability: Taking wickets at crucial moments to win matches
- Longevity: Maintaining high performance over many years
- Adaptability: Success in different formats (Test, ODI, T20) and conditions
- Impact: Changing games single-handedly with outstanding performances
Now let’s explore each of these legendary bowlers in detail!
1. Muttiah Muralitharan (Sri Lanka) – The Record Breaker
Career Span: 1992-2011
Total Wickets: 1,347 (800 Tests + 534 ODIs + 13 T20Is)
Best Figures: 9/51
Bowling Style: Off-spin
Muttiah Muralitharan, lovingly called “Murali,” holds the record for most wickets in cricket history. No bowler has come close to his incredible 1,347 international wickets.
What made Murali special?
- Unique bowling action that created extreme spin
- Mastered the “doosra” (ball that spins opposite direction)
- Could bowl long spells without getting tired
- Took wickets on any type of pitch
- Mental toughness despite action controversies
Career highlights:
- 800 Test wickets (world record)
- 534 ODI wickets (world record until 2016)
- 67 five-wicket hauls in Tests
- 10 ten-wicket hauls in Test matches
Murali was Sri Lanka’s greatest match-winner. He could turn the ball on flat pitches where other spinners struggled. His variations confused even the best batsmen in the world.
Did you know? Murali once took all 10 wickets in a Test innings against India!
2. Shane Warne (Australia) – The Spin Wizard
Career Span: 1992-2007
Total Wickets: 1,001 (708 Tests + 293 ODIs)
Best Figures: 8/71
Bowling Style: Leg-spin
Shane Warne revolutionized leg-spin bowling and made it exciting again. He was the first bowler to reach 1,000 international wickets.
What made Warne legendary?
- Massive turn on the ball (could spin it miles)
- Incredible variations: flipper, slider, googly, top-spinner
- Master tactician who outsmarted batsmen
- Performed in big matches and pressure situations
- Charismatic personality that entertained fans
Career highlights:
- 708 Test wickets (2nd most in Tests)
- “Ball of the Century” to Mike Gatting in 1993
- 199 ODI wickets
- Led Australia to World Cup victory in 1999
Warne could spin the ball on any surface. His battle with batsmen was like watching a chess match – full of strategy, deception, and brilliance.
Fun fact: Warne took 40 wickets against England in a single Ashes series!
3. Anil Kumble (India) – The Relentless Warrior
Career Span: 1990-2008
Total Wickets: 956 (619 Tests + 337 ODIs)
Best Figures: 10/74
Bowling Style: Leg-spin
Anil Kumble was India’s greatest match-winner for nearly two decades. Unlike typical leg-spinners, Kumble bowled faster and got more bounce.
What made Kumble unique?
- Bowled flat and fast, not slow loop
- Generated sharp bounce that troubled batsmen
- Never gave up, always attacking
- Accurate line and length
- Fierce competitor with never-say-die attitude
Career highlights:
- 619 Test wickets (3rd highest ever)
- Only bowler to take all 10 wickets in a Test innings (10/74 vs Pakistan)
- 337 ODI wickets
- 35 five-wicket hauls in Tests
Kumble didn’t spin the ball much, but his accuracy and bounce made him deadly. He could bowl long spells in hot conditions and never complained.
Amazing fact: Kumble once bowled with a broken jaw to help India win!
4. James Anderson (England) – The Swing King
Career Span: 2003-present
Total Wickets: 700+ (690+ Tests + others)
Best Figures: 7/42
Bowling Style: Fast-medium, swing
James Anderson is the greatest fast bowler in Test cricket history based on wickets. He’s still playing at age 41!
What makes Anderson special?
- Master of swing bowling (ball moves in air)
- Can swing both new ball and old ball
- Incredibly fit and durable
- Smart bowler who adapts to conditions
- Lethal in English conditions
Career highlights:
- 690+ Test wickets (most by fast bowler)
- First fast bowler to reach 600 Test wickets
- 32 five-wicket hauls
- Still performing at top level after 20 years
Anderson proved that you don’t need extreme pace to be great. His skill, intelligence, and fitness have made him a legend.
Impressive: Anderson has taken wickets in 43 different countries!
5. Glenn McGrath (Australia) – Mr. Accuracy
Career Span: 1993-2007
Total Wickets: 949 (563 Tests + 381 ODIs + 5 T20Is)
Best Figures: 8/24
Bowling Style: Fast-medium
Glenn McGrath was the most accurate fast bowler ever. He could bowl the same line and length all day without getting tired.
What made McGrath deadly?
- Pinpoint accuracy on off-stump line
- Extracted bounce from any pitch
- Mental strength to bowl long spells
- Master of outswing to right-handers
- Performed in biggest matches (World Cups, Ashes)
Career highlights:
- 563 Test wickets (5th most in Tests)
- 381 ODI wickets (still in top 15)
- 71 wickets in World Cups
- Part of Australia’s golden era
McGrath didn’t bowl at 150 km/h, but batsmen feared him because they knew he wouldn’t bowl bad balls. His consistency was superhuman.
Record: McGrath took 5+ wickets in an innings 29 times in Tests!
6. Wasim Akram (Pakistan) – The Sultan of Swing
Career Span: 1984-2003
Total Wickets: 916 (414 Tests + 502 ODIs)
Best Figures: 7/119
Bowling Style: Left-arm fast
Wasim Akram was perhaps the most complete fast bowler ever. He could do everything with the cricket ball.
What made Wasim magical?
- Mastered reverse swing (ball swinging late)
- Deadly with both new ball and old ball
- Perfect yorkers that broke stumps
- Left-arm angle troubled right-handed batsmen
- Brilliant in death overs
Career highlights:
- 916 international wickets across formats
- First bowler to take 500 ODI wickets
- 2 hat-tricks in ODIs
- 1992 World Cup winner
Wasim could make the old ball swing when no one else could. His yorkers were unplayable, especially in limited-overs cricket.
Legendary: Wasim once bowled Alan Donald with a perfect yorker that was called “ball of the decade”!
7. Courtney Walsh (West Indies) – The Gentle Giant
Career Span: 1984-2001
Total Wickets: 806 (519 Tests + 227 ODIs + 60 others)
Best Figures: 7/37
Bowling Style: Fast
Courtney Walsh was the first bowler ever to reach 500 Test wickets. His longevity and consistency were remarkable.
What made Walsh great?
- Tall and extracted steep bounce
- Incredibly fit and durable
- Perfect team player
- Bowling in partnership with Curtly Ambrose
- Never gave up, even when others retired
Career highlights:
- 519 Test wickets (held record for years)
- First to 500 Test wickets
- 13 five-wicket hauls
- Played 132 Tests (huge dedication)
Walsh wasn’t the fastest, but his height, bounce, and persistence made him effective. He served West Indies cricket for 17 years loyally.
Respect: Walsh never bowled a single wide ball in his entire Test career!
8. Dale Steyn (South Africa) – The Modern Fast Bowling Legend
Career Span: 2004-2019
Total Wickets: 699 (439 Tests + 196 ODIs + 64 T20Is)
Best Figures: 7/51
Bowling Style: Fast
Dale Steyn was the most feared fast bowler of the 2010s. He combined pace, swing, and aggression perfectly.
What made Steyn terrifying?
- Raw pace consistently above 145 km/h
- Reverse swing at high speed
- An attacking mindset always
- Took wickets in all conditions
- Celebrated with passion and energy
Career highlights:
- 439 Test wickets with an average of 22.95 (best among modern bowlers)
- 26 five-wicket hauls
- No.1 Test bowler for several years
- 196 ODI wickets
Steyn could bowl fast, swing it both ways, and had the heart of a lion. He made South Africa the No.1 Test team.
Impressive: Steyn reached 400 Test wickets faster than anyone except Murali and Warne!
9. Stuart Broad (England) – The Big Match Player
Career Span: 2007-2023
Total Wickets: 604 (604 Tests primarily)
Best Figures: 8/15
Bowling Style: Fast-medium
Stuart Broad was England’s strike bowler for 16 years. He loved performing in big matches, especially against Australia.
What made Broad special?
- Tall and got extra bounce
- Loved the Ashes cricket against Australia
- Took wickets in clusters (multiple wickets quickly)
- Improved with age
- Great partnership with James Anderson
Career highlights:
- 604 Test wickets (England’s 2nd highest)
- 8/15 against Australia (one of the best spells ever)
- 20 five-wicket hauls
- Part of 3 Ashes-winning teams
Broad’s energy and passion on the field made him a crowd favorite. His celebrations after getting Australian batsmen out became famous!
Memorable: Broad took 8 wickets for just 15 runs against Australia in 2015!
10. Kapil Dev (India) – The All-Round Legend
Career Span: 1978-1994
Total Wickets: 687 (434 Tests + 253 ODIs)
Best Figures: 9/83
Bowling Style: Fast-medium
Kapil Dev was India’s greatest all-rounder and the first Indian fast bowler to become a legend.
What made Kapil special?
- Led the pace attack for India for 16 years
- First bowler to reach 400 Test wickets
- Could swing the ball both ways
- Never injured, incredibly fit
- Led India to 1983 World Cup victory
Career highlights:
- 434 Test wickets (Indian record for years)
- 253 ODI wickets
- 8 five-wicket hauls in Tests
- Scored 5,000+ runs in Tests too
Kapil changed Indian cricket by showing that Indians could be great fast bowlers. He inspired generations of pacers.
Historic: Kapil’s 175 not out in 1983 World Cup is considered India’s greatest innings!
11. Rangana Herath (Sri Lanka) – The Late Bloomer
Career Span: 1999-2018
Total Wickets: 433 (433 Tests primarily)
Best Figures: 9/127
Bowling Style: Left-arm orthodox spin
Rangana Herath became a star after age 35! He stepped up after Muralitharan retired and did brilliantly.
What made Herath effective?
- Expert at bowling to left-handed batsmen
- Accurate and consistent
- Used variations cleverly
- Could spin ball sharply in Sri Lanka
- Proved age is just a number
Career highlights:
- 433 Test wickets (best left-arm spinner in Tests)
- 34 five-wicket hauls
- 9 ten-wicket hauls
- Retired as Sri Lanka’s second-highest wicket-taker
Herath showed that patient, accurate spin bowling still works in modern cricket.
Inspiring: Herath took 100+ Test wickets after turning 38 years old!
12. Curtly Ambrose (West Indies) – The Silent Destroyer
Career Span: 1988-2000
Total Wickets: 630 (405 Tests + 225 ODIs)
Best Figures: 8/45
Bowling Style: Fast
Curtly Ambrose was tall, silent, and deadly. Batsmen feared his bounce and accuracy.
What made Ambrose feared?
- Height of 6’7″ gave extra bounce
- Extremely accurate
- Calm and focused personality
- Partnerships with Walsh and others
- Australia and England were destroyed regularly
Career highlights:
- 405 Test wickets
- 22 five-wicket hauls
- Best spell: 7/1 against Australia
- West Indies’ pace attack leader in the 90s
Ambrose didn’t waste words or energy. He just bowled fast, straight, and took wickets.
Legendary spell: Ambrose took 7 wickets for 1 run against Australia in 1992!
13. Shaun Pollock (South Africa) – The Complete Bowler
Career Span: 1995-2008
Total Wickets: 829 (421 Tests + 393 ODIs + 15 T20Is)
Best Figures: 7/87
Bowling Style: Fast-medium
Shaun Pollock was consistent, accurate, and economical. He rarely bowled bad balls.
What made Pollock reliable?
- Perfect line and length on every ball
- Could swing and seam the ball
- Excellent in all conditions
- Great economy rate
- Could bat well too (all-rounder)
Career highlights:
- 829 international wickets
- 421 Test wickets
- 16 five-wicket hauls in Tests
- 5,000+ runs in international cricket
Pollock was the model professional who served South African cricket faithfully for 13 years.
Consistency: Pollock had an economy rate under 4 in Tests, which is exceptional!
14. Lasith Malinga (Sri Lanka) – The Yorker King
Career Span: 2004-2019
Total Wickets: 546 (101 Tests + 338 ODIs + 107 T20Is)
Best Figures: 6/38
Bowling Style: Fast (round-arm action)
Lasith Malinga changed death bowling forever with his unique action and perfect yorkers.
What made Malinga unique?
- Round-arm sling action (only one in world)
- Best yorker bowler in cricket history
- Mastered death bowling
- Hat-tricks in ODIs and T20s
- Thrived under pressure
Career highlights:
- 338 ODI wickets
- 107 T20I wickets (record for years)
- 4 wickets in 4 balls (twice!)
- Mumbai Indians IPL legend
Malinga’s yorkers at 140+ km/h were impossible to hit. He won matches in the final overs countless times.
Unbelievable: Malinga is the only bowler with 4 wickets in 4 balls in both ODIs and T20Is!
15. Mitchell Starc (Australia) – The Strike Bowler
Career Span: 2011-present
Total Wickets: 350+ (103 Tests + 247 ODIs)
Best Figures: 6/43
Bowling Style: Left-arm fast
Mitchell Starc is the best current ODI bowler in the world. His pace and swing are lethal.
What makes Starc dangerous?
- Bowls at 150 km/h regularly
- Swings the ball both ways at pace
- Excellent yorkers
- Strike bowler in big tournaments
- Left-arm angle troubles batsmen
Career highlights:
- 103 Test wickets (growing)
- 247 ODI wickets (among best current bowlers)
- Most wickets in World Cups (combined)
- 2015 World Cup Player of the Tournament
Starc is still playing and adding to his wickets. He could become an all-time great if he stays fit.
Record: Starc took 49 wickets in the 2015 World Cup, a tournament record!
Upcoming Modern Bowlers to Watch
While we discussed the Best Bowlers in Cricket History, cricket’s future is also bright with these rising stars:
Jasprit Bumrah (India):
- Unique action and deadly yorkers
- Currently ranked No.1 in ODIs
- 150+ Test wickets already
- Could become India’s greatest fast bowler
Pat Cummins (Australia):
- Current Australian captain
- 250+ Test wickets
- Consistent pace and accuracy
- Leading Australia’s pace attack
Kagiso Rabada (South Africa):
- 300+ international wickets already
- Fast, aggressive, and talented
- Fastest to 200 Test wickets in recent times
- Could break many records
These young bowlers are writing their own chapters and might join our top 15 list someday!
Suggested Reads on CricketBureau.com
Want to learn more about cricket? Check out these helpful articles:
Complete Guide to Cricket Laws 2025
- Perfect for beginners
- Explains LBW, DRS, powerplay, and all 15 core rules
- Simple language anyone can understand
- Helps you appreciate these bowling legends better
Other Cricket Topics:
- Best batsmen in cricket history
- Cricket formats explained (Test, ODI, T20)
- How to play cricket for beginners
- Famous cricket stadiums around the world
FAQs About Best Bowlers in Cricket
- Who is the highest wicket-taker in cricket history?
Muttiah Muralitharan from Sri Lanka holds the record with 1,347 international wickets (800 in Tests + 534 in ODIs + 13 in T20Is). No other bowler has crossed even 1,100 wickets.
- Who is the fastest bowler to reach 400 Test wickets?
Dale Steyn reached 400 Test wickets in just 90 matches, making him the fastest bowler ever to reach this milestone. Muttiah Muralitharan and Dennis Lillee are next with 92 and 95 matches respectively.
- Which bowler has the most five-wicket hauls in Test cricket?
Muttiah Muralitharan leads with 67 five-wicket hauls in Test cricket. Shane Warne is second with 37, and Anil Kumble third with 35 five-wicket hauls.
- Who is the best fast bowler of all time?
Based on wickets and consistency, Glenn McGrath (949 wickets) and James Anderson (700+ wickets) are the greatest. Based on impact and average, Dale Steyn (22.95 average) is considered the best modern fast bowler.
- Which bowler has taken the most wickets in a single World Cup?
Mitchell Starc took 27 wickets in the 2019 Cricket World Cup, matching the record set by Glenn McGrath in 2007. These are the most wickets by any bowler in a single World Cup tournament.
- Who was the first bowler to take 500 Test wickets?
Courtney Walsh from the West Indies was the first bowler ever to reach 500 Test wickets in 2000. He finished with 519 Test wickets and held the record until Anil Kumble surpassed him.
- Which bowler has the best bowling figures in Test cricket?
Jim Laker from England holds the record with 10/53 (10 wickets for 53 runs) and 19/90 in the match against Australia in 1956. Among modern bowlers, Anil Kumble’s 10/74 against Pakistan in 1999 is the best.
Conclusion: Celebrating the Greatest Wicket-Takers
The Best Bowlers in the World have given us memories that last forever.
From Muralitharan’s record-breaking 1,347 wickets to Warne’s magical spin, from McGrath’s accuracy to Wasim’s swing mastery, these legends changed cricket forever.
These bowlers didn’t just take wickets – they won matches, inspired millions, and showed that bowling is an art form.
They proved that with skill, dedication, and mental strength, bowlers can dominate the game just as much as batsmen.
Understanding these Best Bowlers in Cricket History helps us appreciate the game more deeply.
Each bowler had unique skills: some bowled fast, some spun the ball, some swung it both ways. But all of them had one thing in common – the hunger to take wickets and win matches for their teams.
Whether you’re watching Test cricket, ODIs, or T20s, remember these legends who set the standards.
Their records may be broken someday, but their impact on cricket will remain forever.
For more expert cricket analysis, player profiles, match predictions, and the latest cricket updates, always visit CricketBureau.com – your professional cricket blog trusted by fans worldwide.
From beginner guides like our “15 Rules of Cricket” article to advanced analysis, we cover everything cricket!
Keep following these bowling legends, support current bowlers, and enjoy the beautiful game of cricket!
Cricket is more than just a game – it’s a passion that unites millions. Join the CricketBureau community today!
