Who doesn’t like to see a fiery spell from a pace bowler? When a fast bowler is on the song, it is always a treat for all cricket lovers. If the conditions can help the bowler just a tad bit, it’s icing on the cake.

Back in the day, it was always difficult to face an extremely fast bowler. There used to be no helmets for batsmen and they would wear their heart on their sleeves. With technological advancement, it has become rather easier to face someone bowling around 90 miles an hour.

We have seen some incredible fast bowlers come and go, writing their names on the history books. But when a speedster is coupled with another speedster, things become even more exciting for the viewers as well as the bowling team.

In this article, let’s take a look at the 10 greatest pace bowling duos of all time

<img class="size-full wp-image-514300" src="https://media.crictracker.com/media/attachments/2021/05/Bob-Willis-and-Ian-Botham.jpg" alt="Bob Willis and Ian Botham" width="636" loading="lazy"><figcaption id="caption-attachment-514300" class="wp-caption-text">Bob Willis and Ian Botham. (Photo Source: Twitter)</figcaption>

Who better to kick off the list than the Englishmen themselves? We bring you back to the 1970s and 1980s when a duo was ruling Test cricket like a boss. Bob Willis and Ian Botham always played an integral part in The Ashes as they complimented each other pretty well.

Bob Willis was the experienced one from the duo, having debuted back in 1971. He played over 90 Tests and picked up 325 wickets at an average of 25. He and Botham combined put in performances one for ages in the 1981 Ashes. His best figure of 43/8 came in the same series.

Meanwhile, <a href="https://www.crictracker.com/ian-bothams-granddaughter-imani-jayne-botham-eyeing-miss-england-crown/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Ian Botham</a> was a proper all-rounder, arguably the best of all time. He would smash bowlers all over the park and was known for his aggressive style of play. But make no mistake when we say his bowling career was even better, he played over 100 Tests for England before retiring in the summer of 1992.

<img class="size-full wp-image-514298" src="https://media.crictracker.com/media/attachments/2021/05/Trent-Boult-Tim-Southee.jpg" alt="Trent Boult &amp; Tim Southee" width="636" loading="lazy"><figcaption id="caption-attachment-514298" class="wp-caption-text">Trent Boult &amp; Tim Southee. (Photo Source: Twitter)</figcaption>

Moving from the old era to the modern, here’s a pair who’s been doing wonders for New Zealand for a decade now. Tim Southee and Trent Boult have been a key reason behind New Zealand’s consistency in the last few years. In fact, both started together as a part of the New Zealand U-19 team back in 2008.

Tim Southee is the man of big occasions. Man of the tournament in 2008 U-19 World Cup, 18 wickets at a fantastic average of 17 in the 2011 World Cup and an all-round performance in the 2015 <a href="https://www.crictracker.com/pat-cummins-states-playing-t20-world-cup-in-india-amid-raging-pandemic-as-unsafe-and-drain-on-resources/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">World Cup</a> prove the statement. In swinging conditions, he’s the go-to man for the Kiwis.

Trent Boult started quite late when compared to Southee but he has had a remarkable impact. He’s a great bowler across formats and can be regarded as one of the best at the moment. A gun bowler, Boult is renowned for his ability to trouble the batters with the new ball.&nbsp;

<img class="size-full wp-image-514299" src="https://media.crictracker.com/media/attachments/2021/05/Dennis-Lillee-and-Jeff-Thomson.jpg" alt="Dennis Lillee and Jeff Thomson" width="636" loading="lazy"><figcaption id="caption-attachment-514299" class="wp-caption-text">Dennis Lillee and Jeff Thomson. (Photo Source: Twitter)</figcaption>

Although it’s been a long time since their retirement, the new age cricket fans must have heard of these names as well. That’s the impact that Dennis Lillee and <a href="https://www.crictracker.com/india-vs-england-australia-legend-jeff-thomsons-name-shines-after-prasidh-krishnas-terrific-international-debut/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Jeff Thomson</a> made in the world of cricket. Quick and intimidating would be an understatement while describing these two legends.

Unlike the other duos on this list, these two guys started around the same time and ended their careers in almost the same period as well. They played about 120 Tests combined and picked up 550+ wickets. Undoubtedly, it was one of the best eras in Australian fast-bowling history.

Dennis Lillee is regarded as the most complete fast bowler of all time. Meanwhile, Jeff Thomson is possibly the fastest bowler, as he could even touch 155 kmph during his fastest spells. They clearly paved the way for many pacers to come in the near future in Australian cricket.

<img class="size-full wp-image-514295" src="https://media.crictracker.com/media/attachments/2021/05/Joel-Garner-Michael-Holding.jpg" alt="Joel Garner &amp; Michael Holding" width="636" loading="lazy"><figcaption id="caption-attachment-514295" class="wp-caption-text">Joel Garner &amp; Michael Holding. (Photo Source: Twitter)</figcaption>

Let’s move to the west since we have already talked enough about English, Australian and New Zealand fast bowlers. Here are two bowlers who were the prior reason behind West Indies’ dominance in the late 70s and late 80s. Joel Garner and <a href="https://www.crictracker.com/michael-holding-emphasises-the-importance-of-ms-dhoni-after-indias-loss-to-australia/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Michael Holding</a>, the names are enough.

These two bowlers started around the same time as well. As has been the case with West Indian cricketers, they could turn up with the ball on their given day too. Tall, ruthless, accurate, these bowlers ticked all the boxes.

Joel Garner, the lesser-talked-about name between the two, had an outstanding average of just 20 in Test cricket with 259 wickets to his name. He picked up 146 wickets in the ODIs too, at an astonishing average of a mere 18.85. Michael Holding, on the other hand, was the spearhead of West Indian fast bowling, and his athleticism was on some other level.

<img src="https://media.crictracker.com/media/attachments/1664025147748_Anderson-and-Stuart-broad.jpeg" alt="" width="640" loading="lazy"> <figcaption id="caption-attachment-188970" class="wp-caption-text">James Anderson and Stuart Broad (Photo Source: Twitter)</figcaption>

Having played a combined 300+ Tests for England, this duo has a load of experience. To add to it, they have bagged more than 1200 Test wickets. No, these are not cricket game figures. These belong to two modern-day legends who have done so in more of a batting-friendly era.

James Anderson is currently the highest wicket-taker amongst pacers in Test cricket. Even at the age of 40, the lad from Lancashire keeps on getting better and better, eyeing another Ashes before finally hanging up his boots. It’s difficult for fast bowlers to maintain their fitness and if someone has played over 170 Tests, you just have to bow down to that achievement alone.

Stuart Broad is more often remembered for getting hit six sixes in an over by <a href="https://www.crictracker.com/ipl-2021-yuvraj-singh-very-happy-for-harpreet-brar-after-the-latters-all-round-show-in-pbks-vs-rcb-match/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Yuvraj Singh</a>. Credit where it’s due, the Englishmen hasn’t looked back ever since and is currently on top of his game. He might not be lauded enough but the guy has done his job across formats, primarily in Test cricket.

<img class="size-full wp-image-514297" src="https://media.crictracker.com/media/attachments/2021/05/Shaun-Pollock-Allan-Donald.jpg" alt="Shaun Pollock &amp; Allan Donald" width="636" loading="lazy"><figcaption id="caption-attachment-514297" class="wp-caption-text">Shaun Pollock &amp; Allan Donald. (Photo Source: Twitter)</figcaption>

In the mid-90s, South Africa was possibly the most balanced side in the world of cricket. While Makhaya Ntini joined them later on, it was the duo of Shaun Pollock &amp; Allan Donald that sowed the seeds in terms of quality fast bowling. It’s a surprise that South Africa couldn’t win a World Cup during this phase.

Allan Donald used to be called “the white lightning” because of his incredible pace &amp; accuracy. When he started off, there were some incredible batsmen coming to their own in the likes of Brian Lara, <a href="https://www.crictracker.com/sachin-was-very-soft-virat-comes-out-aggressive-venkatesh-prasad-draws-comparison-between-sachin-tendulkar-and-virat-kohli/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Sachin Tendulkar</a>, Saeed Anwar etc. So having 20 five-wicket hauls in a space of 129 innings was a huge achievement.

Shaun Pollock had a lot to offer with the bat as well. While Allan Donald was known for his pace, Shaun Pollock was the one who would bowl with more accuracy. Having played over 12 years in international cricket, Shaun picked up 829 wickets throughout the course of his career.

<img class="size-full wp-image-205770" src="https://media.crictracker.com/media/attachments/2018/01/South-Africa.jpg" alt="South Africa" width="640" loading="lazy"><figcaption id="caption-attachment-205770" class="wp-caption-text">Andile Phehlukwayo, Kagiso Rabada, Dale Steyn and Morne Morkel during the South African national cricket team training session. (Photo by Shaun Roy/Gallo Images/Getty Images)</figcaption>

Another South African bowling duo to feature on the list, <a href="https://www.crictracker.com/dale-steyn-takes-a-sly-dig-at-a-fan-after-bcci-postpones-ipl-2021-indefinitely/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Dale Steyn</a> and Morne Morkel is arguably the best pace duo in recent times. They might not have as many wickets as the Anderson-Broad pair, but they had a huge impact on the game. They ruled Test cricket in the late 2000s and early 2010s.

As far as Dale Steyn is concerned, the former express pacer proved his mettle all around the globe. The energy that Steyn brought to the table was second to none. Picking close to 450 wickets in just 93 Tests is no joke and that includes as many as 26 five-wicket hauls along with 5 ten-wicket hauls in an entire match.

Morne Morkel was possibly the most underrated bowler of the modern era. Tall and fast, Morne could trouble the best of batters with his line and lengths. His stint in IPL was quite effective too. With over 300 wickets in red-ball cricket, Morkel formed a daunting partnership with Dale Steyn for the Proteas.

<img class="size-full wp-image-232550" src="https://media.crictracker.com/media/attachments/2018/03/Courtney-Walsh-1.jpg" alt="Courtney Walsh" width="640" loading="lazy"><figcaption id="caption-attachment-232550" class="wp-caption-text">Courtney Walsh of the West Indies is congratulated by teammate Curtley Ambrose. (Photo Source: Getty Images)</figcaption>

West Indies might have seen its best time in the late 70s and early 80s but their best bowling duo was yet to arrive on the scene. Ambrose and Walsh started playing for West Indies in the mid-80s. Although they had all the attributes the former legendary West Indies pacers possessed, there was something unique about both of them.

<a href="https://www.crictracker.com/jasprit-bumrah-has-the-potential-to-reach-where-james-anderson-and-stuart-broad-have-reached-courtney-walsh/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Courtney Walsh</a> has to be the most unusual West Indies player. He was very humble and gentle while playing the game as well, contrary to the other fast bowlers in the international circuit, let alone West Indies. He was the first to take 500 wickets in Test cricket and had over 100 five-wicket hauls in domestic cricket.

“Sir” Curtly Ambrose on the other hand was the typical West Indian bowler, standing at 6’7 and generating amazing pace and bounce. One of his highlight performances was getting 7 wickets in just 32 balls while he gave just 1 run in the innings. It’s practically impossible to replicate such figures ever again in international cricket.

<img class="size-full wp-image-514296" src="https://media.crictracker.com/media/attachments/2021/05/Brett-Lee-Glenn-McGrath.jpg" alt="Brett Lee &amp; Glenn McGrath" width="636" loading="lazy"><figcaption id="caption-attachment-514296" class="wp-caption-text">Brett Lee &amp; Glenn McGrath. (Photo Source: Twitter)</figcaption>

While West Indies dominated the 70s &amp; 80, Aussies were all over the place from the late 90s up until the late 2000s. It is one of the most dominant stints in the cricketing world with every member of the playing XI a potential match-winner. Two of such figures were Brett Lee and Glenn McGrath.

For a pace duo to succeed, one has to be really accurate with his lines and another should be bowling at a ferocious pace. There’s no better example of this statement than the dynamic duo of Brett Lee and <a href="https://www.crictracker.com/the-difference-he-made-was-to-bring-in-the-aura-of-calmness-prasidh-krishna-on-glenn-mcgraths-influence-on-his-bowling/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Glenn McGrath</a>. While McGrath would almost never err in his lines, Brett Lee would come with some fiery spells of toe-crushing Yorkers and deafening bouncers.

Both had pretty long careers and excelled in each format of the game. While Glenn McGrath would take the lead in the longest format of the game, it was Brett Lee who would come with more match-winning performances in ODIs. There are many reasons why Australia faced almost no competition in the 2003 and 2007 World Cups, and Lee and McGrath should be on top of those reasons.

<img class="size-full wp-image-235711" src="https://media.crictracker.com/media/attachments/2018/03/Wasim-Akram-Waqar-Younis.jpg" alt="Wasim Akram &amp; Waqar Younis of Pakistan" width="640" loading="lazy"><figcaption id="caption-attachment-235711" class="wp-caption-text">Wasim Akram &amp; Waqar Younis. (Photo Source: Twitter)</figcaption>

Pace duos have come and gone but to rule the world of cricket for 1 and a half-decade is no mean feat. Pakistan has always had a rich history of fast bowling over the years. But none would have an impact and longevity like Wasim and Waqar.

It could be seen in the matches of India and Pakistan during the 90s. While batting of both the teams were evenly matched, the bowling department, especially pacers, wouldn’t ever be debated in that era. Such was the impact of <a href="https://www.crictracker.com/recover-soon-master-wasim-akram-posts-heartwarming-message-for-sachin-tendulkar/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Wasim Akram</a> and Waqar Younis that they stole away a lot of matches from India’s pockets from time to time, most of the times in such one spell.

Waqar Younis was one of the fastest pace bowlers of his time while Wasim Akram used to be labelled as ‘the king of swing’. The unique part is that both of them didn’t play much domestic cricket before entering the international circuit. It was never a concern as they went on to pick over 1700 wickets combined across formats.

Who doesn’t like to see a fiery spell from a pace bowler? When a fast bowler is on the song, it is always a treat for all cricket lovers. If the conditions can help the bowler just a tad bit, it’s icing on the cake.
Back in the day, it was always difficult to face an extremely fast bowler. There used to be no helmets for batsmen and they would wear their heart on their sleeves. With technological advancement, it has become rather easier to face someone bowling around 90 miles an hour.
We have seen some incredible fast bowlers come and go, writing their names on the history books. But when a speedster is coupled with another speedster, things become even more exciting for the viewers as well as the bowling team.
<h3>In this article, let’s take a look at the 10 greatest pace bowling duos of all time</h3>
<h3>10. Bob Willis and Ian Botham</h3>
<figure id="attachment_514300" aria-describedby="caption-attachment-514300" class="wp-caption aligncenter" style="max-width: 100%; margin: 0;"><amp-img class="size-full wp-image-514300" src="https://media.crictracker.com/media/attachments/2021/05/Bob-Willis-and-Ian-Botham.jpg" alt="Bob Willis and Ian Botham" width="636" height="400" layout="responsive" style="max-width: 100%; margin: 0;"></amp-img>
<figcaption id="caption-attachment-514300" class="wp-caption-text">Bob Willis and Ian Botham. (Photo Source: Twitter)</figcaption>
</figure>
Who better to kick off the list than the Englishmen themselves? We bring you back to the 1970s and 1980s when a duo was ruling Test cricket like a boss. Bob Willis and Ian Botham always played an integral part in The Ashes as they complimented each other pretty well.
Bob Willis was the experienced one from the duo, having debuted back in 1971. He played over 90 Tests and picked up 325 wickets at an average of 25. He and Botham combined put in performances one for ages in the 1981 Ashes. His best figure of 43/8 came in the same series.
Meanwhile, <a href="https://www.crictracker.com/ian-bothams-granddaughter-imani-jayne-botham-eyeing-miss-england-crown/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Ian Botham</a> was a proper all-rounder, arguably the best of all time. He would smash bowlers all over the park and was known for his aggressive style of play. But make no mistake when we say his bowling career was even better, he played over 100 Tests for England before retiring in the summer of 1992.

<h3>9. Trent Boult and Tim Southee</h3>
<figure id="attachment_514298" aria-describedby="caption-attachment-514298" class="wp-caption aligncenter" style="max-width: 100%; margin: 0;"><amp-img class="size-full wp-image-514298" src="https://media.crictracker.com/media/attachments/2021/05/Trent-Boult-Tim-Southee.jpg" alt="Trent Boult &amp; Tim Southee" width="636" height="400" layout="responsive" style="max-width: 100%; margin: 0;"></amp-img>
<figcaption id="caption-attachment-514298" class="wp-caption-text">Trent Boult &amp; Tim Southee. (Photo Source: Twitter)</figcaption>
</figure>
Moving from the old era to the modern, here’s a pair who’s been doing wonders for New Zealand for a decade now. Tim Southee and Trent Boult have been a key reason behind New Zealand’s consistency in the last few years. In fact, both started together as a part of the New Zealand U-19 team back in 2008.
Tim Southee is the man of big occasions. Man of the tournament in 2008 U-19 World Cup, 18 wickets at a fantastic average of 17 in the 2011 World Cup and an all-round performance in the 2015 <a href="https://www.crictracker.com/pat-cummins-states-playing-t20-world-cup-in-india-amid-raging-pandemic-as-unsafe-and-drain-on-resources/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">World Cup</a> prove the statement. In swinging conditions, he’s the go-to man for the Kiwis.
Trent Boult started quite late when compared to Southee but he has had a remarkable impact. He’s a great bowler across formats and can be regarded as one of the best at the moment. A gun bowler, Boult is renowned for his ability to trouble the batters with the new ball.&nbsp;

<h3>8. Dennis Lillee and Jeff Thomson</h3>
<figure id="attachment_514299" aria-describedby="caption-attachment-514299" class="wp-caption aligncenter" style="max-width: 100%; margin: 0;"><amp-img class="size-full wp-image-514299" src="https://media.crictracker.com/media/attachments/2021/05/Dennis-Lillee-and-Jeff-Thomson.jpg" alt="Dennis Lillee and Jeff Thomson" width="636" height="400" layout="responsive" style="max-width: 100%; margin: 0;"></amp-img>
<figcaption id="caption-attachment-514299" class="wp-caption-text">Dennis Lillee and Jeff Thomson. (Photo Source: Twitter)</figcaption>
</figure>
Although it’s been a long time since their retirement, the new age cricket fans must have heard of these names as well. That’s the impact that Dennis Lillee and <a href="https://www.crictracker.com/india-vs-england-australia-legend-jeff-thomsons-name-shines-after-prasidh-krishnas-terrific-international-debut/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Jeff Thomson</a> made in the world of cricket. Quick and intimidating would be an understatement while describing these two legends.
Unlike the other duos on this list, these two guys started around the same time and ended their careers in almost the same period as well. They played about 120 Tests combined and picked up 550+ wickets. Undoubtedly, it was one of the best eras in Australian fast-bowling history.
Dennis Lillee is regarded as the most complete fast bowler of all time. Meanwhile, Jeff Thomson is possibly the fastest bowler, as he could even touch 155 kmph during his fastest spells. They clearly paved the way for many pacers to come in the near future in Australian cricket.

<h3>7. Joel Garner and Michael Holding</h3>
<figure id="attachment_514295" aria-describedby="caption-attachment-514295" class="wp-caption aligncenter" style="max-width: 100%; margin: 0;"><amp-img class="size-full wp-image-514295" src="https://media.crictracker.com/media/attachments/2021/05/Joel-Garner-Michael-Holding.jpg" alt="Joel Garner &amp; Michael Holding" width="636" height="400" layout="responsive" style="max-width: 100%; margin: 0;"></amp-img>
<figcaption id="caption-attachment-514295" class="wp-caption-text">Joel Garner &amp; Michael Holding. (Photo Source: Twitter)</figcaption>
</figure>
Let’s move to the west since we have already talked enough about English, Australian and New Zealand fast bowlers. Here are two bowlers who were the prior reason behind West Indies’ dominance in the late 70s and late 80s. Joel Garner and <a href="https://www.crictracker.com/michael-holding-emphasises-the-importance-of-ms-dhoni-after-indias-loss-to-australia/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Michael Holding</a>, the names are enough.
These two bowlers started around the same time as well. As has been the case with West Indian cricketers, they could turn up with the ball on their given day too. Tall, ruthless, accurate, these bowlers ticked all the boxes.
Joel Garner, the lesser-talked-about name between the two, had an outstanding average of just 20 in Test cricket with 259 wickets to his name. He picked up 146 wickets in the ODIs too, at an astonishing average of a mere 18.85. Michael Holding, on the other hand, was the spearhead of West Indian fast bowling, and his athleticism was on some other level.

<h3>6. Stuart Broad and James Anderson</h3>
<figure id="attachment_188970" aria-describedby="caption-attachment-188970" class="wp-caption aligncenter" style="max-width: 100%; margin: 0;"><amp-img src="https://media.crictracker.com/media/attachments/1664025147748_Anderson-and-Stuart-broad.jpeg" alt width="640" height="400" layout="responsive" style="max-width: 100%; margin: 0;"></amp-img> 
<figcaption id="caption-attachment-188970" class="wp-caption-text">James Anderson and Stuart Broad (Photo Source: Twitter)</figcaption>
</figure>
Having played a combined 300+ Tests for England, this duo has a load of experience. To add to it, they have bagged more than 1200 Test wickets. No, these are not cricket game figures. These belong to two modern-day legends who have done so in more of a batting-friendly era.
James Anderson is currently the highest wicket-taker amongst pacers in Test cricket. Even at the age of 40, the lad from Lancashire keeps on getting better and better, eyeing another Ashes before finally hanging up his boots. It’s difficult for fast bowlers to maintain their fitness and if someone has played over 170 Tests, you just have to bow down to that achievement alone.
Stuart Broad is more often remembered for getting hit six sixes in an over by <a href="https://www.crictracker.com/ipl-2021-yuvraj-singh-very-happy-for-harpreet-brar-after-the-latters-all-round-show-in-pbks-vs-rcb-match/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Yuvraj Singh</a>. Credit where it’s due, the Englishmen hasn’t looked back ever since and is currently on top of his game. He might not be lauded enough but the guy has done his job across formats, primarily in Test cricket.

<h3>5. Shaun Pollock and Allan Donald</h3>
<figure id="attachment_514297" aria-describedby="caption-attachment-514297" class="wp-caption aligncenter" style="max-width: 100%; margin: 0;"><amp-img class="size-full wp-image-514297" src="https://media.crictracker.com/media/attachments/2021/05/Shaun-Pollock-Allan-Donald.jpg" alt="Shaun Pollock &amp; Allan Donald" width="636" height="400" layout="responsive" style="max-width: 100%; margin: 0;"></amp-img>
<figcaption id="caption-attachment-514297" class="wp-caption-text">Shaun Pollock &amp; Allan Donald. (Photo Source: Twitter)</figcaption>
</figure>
In the mid-90s, South Africa was possibly the most balanced side in the world of cricket. While Makhaya Ntini joined them later on, it was the duo of Shaun Pollock &amp; Allan Donald that sowed the seeds in terms of quality fast bowling. It’s a surprise that South Africa couldn’t win a World Cup during this phase.
Allan Donald used to be called “the white lightning” because of his incredible pace &amp; accuracy. When he started off, there were some incredible batsmen coming to their own in the likes of Brian Lara, <a href="https://www.crictracker.com/sachin-was-very-soft-virat-comes-out-aggressive-venkatesh-prasad-draws-comparison-between-sachin-tendulkar-and-virat-kohli/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Sachin Tendulkar</a>, Saeed Anwar etc. So having 20 five-wicket hauls in a space of 129 innings was a huge achievement.
Shaun Pollock had a lot to offer with the bat as well. While Allan Donald was known for his pace, Shaun Pollock was the one who would bowl with more accuracy. Having played over 12 years in international cricket, Shaun picked up 829 wickets throughout the course of his career.

<h3>4. Dale Steyn and Morne Morkel</h3>
<figure id="attachment_205770" aria-describedby="caption-attachment-205770" class="wp-caption aligncenter" style="max-width: 100%; margin: 0;"><amp-img class="size-full wp-image-205770" src="https://media.crictracker.com/media/attachments/2018/01/South-Africa.jpg" alt="South Africa" width="640" height="400" layout="responsive" style="max-width: 100%; margin: 0;"></amp-img>
<figcaption id="caption-attachment-205770" class="wp-caption-text">Andile Phehlukwayo, Kagiso Rabada, Dale Steyn and Morne Morkel during the South African national cricket team training session. (Photo by Shaun Roy/Gallo Images/Getty Images)</figcaption>
</figure>
Another South African bowling duo to feature on the list, <a href="https://www.crictracker.com/dale-steyn-takes-a-sly-dig-at-a-fan-after-bcci-postpones-ipl-2021-indefinitely/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Dale Steyn</a> and Morne Morkel is arguably the best pace duo in recent times. They might not have as many wickets as the Anderson-Broad pair, but they had a huge impact on the game. They ruled Test cricket in the late 2000s and early 2010s.
As far as Dale Steyn is concerned, the former express pacer proved his mettle all around the globe. The energy that Steyn brought to the table was second to none. Picking close to 450 wickets in just 93 Tests is no joke and that includes as many as 26 five-wicket hauls along with 5 ten-wicket hauls in an entire match.
Morne Morkel was possibly the most underrated bowler of the modern era. Tall and fast, Morne could trouble the best of batters with his line and lengths. His stint in IPL was quite effective too. With over 300 wickets in red-ball cricket, Morkel formed a daunting partnership with Dale Steyn for the Proteas.

<h3>3. Curtly Ambrose and Courtney Walsh</h3>
<figure id="attachment_232550" aria-describedby="caption-attachment-232550" class="wp-caption aligncenter" style="max-width: 100%; margin: 0;"><amp-img class="size-full wp-image-232550" src="https://media.crictracker.com/media/attachments/2018/03/Courtney-Walsh-1.jpg" alt="Courtney Walsh" width="640" height="400" layout="responsive" style="max-width: 100%; margin: 0;"></amp-img>
<figcaption id="caption-attachment-232550" class="wp-caption-text">Courtney Walsh of the West Indies is congratulated by teammate Curtley Ambrose. (Photo Source: Getty Images)</figcaption>
</figure>
West Indies might have seen its best time in the late 70s and early 80s but their best bowling duo was yet to arrive on the scene. Ambrose and Walsh started playing for West Indies in the mid-80s. Although they had all the attributes the former legendary West Indies pacers possessed, there was something unique about both of them.
<a href="https://www.crictracker.com/jasprit-bumrah-has-the-potential-to-reach-where-james-anderson-and-stuart-broad-have-reached-courtney-walsh/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Courtney Walsh</a> has to be the most unusual West Indies player. He was very humble and gentle while playing the game as well, contrary to the other fast bowlers in the international circuit, let alone West Indies. He was the first to take 500 wickets in Test cricket and had over 100 five-wicket hauls in domestic cricket.
“Sir” Curtly Ambrose on the other hand was the typical West Indian bowler, standing at 6’7 and generating amazing pace and bounce. One of his highlight performances was getting 7 wickets in just 32 balls while he gave just 1 run in the innings. It’s practically impossible to replicate such figures ever again in international cricket.

<h3>2. Brett Lee and Glenn McGrath</h3>
<figure id="attachment_514296" aria-describedby="caption-attachment-514296" class="wp-caption aligncenter" style="max-width: 100%; margin: 0;"><amp-img class="size-full wp-image-514296" src="https://media.crictracker.com/media/attachments/2021/05/Brett-Lee-Glenn-McGrath.jpg" alt="Brett Lee &amp; Glenn McGrath" width="636" height="400" layout="responsive" style="max-width: 100%; margin: 0;"></amp-img>
<figcaption id="caption-attachment-514296" class="wp-caption-text">Brett Lee &amp; Glenn McGrath. (Photo Source: Twitter)</figcaption>
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While West Indies dominated the 70s &amp; 80, Aussies were all over the place from the late 90s up until the late 2000s. It is one of the most dominant stints in the cricketing world with every member of the playing XI a potential match-winner. Two of such figures were Brett Lee and Glenn McGrath.
For a pace duo to succeed, one has to be really accurate with his lines and another should be bowling at a ferocious pace. There’s no better example of this statement than the dynamic duo of Brett Lee and <a href="https://www.crictracker.com/the-difference-he-made-was-to-bring-in-the-aura-of-calmness-prasidh-krishna-on-glenn-mcgraths-influence-on-his-bowling/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Glenn McGrath</a>. While McGrath would almost never err in his lines, Brett Lee would come with some fiery spells of toe-crushing Yorkers and deafening bouncers.
Both had pretty long careers and excelled in each format of the game. While Glenn McGrath would take the lead in the longest format of the game, it was Brett Lee who would come with more match-winning performances in ODIs. There are many reasons why Australia faced almost no competition in the 2003 and 2007 World Cups, and Lee and McGrath should be on top of those reasons.

<h3>1. Wasim Akram and Waqar Younis</h3>
<figure id="attachment_235711" aria-describedby="caption-attachment-235711" class="wp-caption aligncenter" style="max-width: 100%; margin: 0;"><amp-img class="size-full wp-image-235711" src="https://media.crictracker.com/media/attachments/2018/03/Wasim-Akram-Waqar-Younis.jpg" alt="Wasim Akram &amp; Waqar Younis of Pakistan" width="640" height="400" layout="responsive" style="max-width: 100%; margin: 0;"></amp-img>
<figcaption id="caption-attachment-235711" class="wp-caption-text">Wasim Akram &amp; Waqar Younis. (Photo Source: Twitter)</figcaption>
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Pace duos have come and gone but to rule the world of cricket for 1 and a half-decade is no mean feat. Pakistan has always had a rich history of fast bowling over the years. But none would have an impact and longevity like Wasim and Waqar.
It could be seen in the matches of India and Pakistan during the 90s. While batting of both the teams were evenly matched, the bowling department, especially pacers, wouldn’t ever be debated in that era. Such was the impact of <a href="https://www.crictracker.com/recover-soon-master-wasim-akram-posts-heartwarming-message-for-sachin-tendulkar/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Wasim Akram</a> and Waqar Younis that they stole away a lot of matches from India’s pockets from time to time, most of the times in such one spell.
Waqar Younis was one of the fastest pace bowlers of his time while Wasim Akram used to be labelled as ‘the king of swing’. The unique part is that both of them didn’t play much domestic cricket before entering the international circuit. It was never a concern as they went on to pick over 1700 wickets combined across formats.

Who doesn’t like to see a fiery spell from a pace bowler? When a fast bowler is on the song, it is always a treat for all cricket lovers. If the conditions can help the bowler just a tad bit, it’s icing on the cake.
Back in the day, it was always difficult to face an extremely fast bowler. There used to be no helmets for batsmen and they would wear their heart on their sleeves. With technological advancement, it has become rather easier to face someone bowling around 90 miles an hour.
We have seen some incredible fast bowlers come and go, writing their names on the history books. But when a speedster is coupled with another speedster, things become even more exciting for the viewers as well as the bowling team.
<h3>In this article, let’s take a look at the 10 greatest pace bowling duos of all time</h3>
<h3>10. Bob Willis and Ian Botham</h3>
<figure id="attachment_514300" aria-describedby="caption-attachment-514300" style="width: 636px;" class="wp-caption aligncenter"><img class="size-full wp-image-514300" src="https://media.crictracker.com/media/attachments/2021/05/Bob-Willis-and-Ian-Botham.jpg" alt="Bob Willis and Ian Botham" width="636" loading="lazy">
<figcaption id="caption-attachment-514300" class="wp-caption-text">Bob Willis and Ian Botham. (Photo Source: Twitter)</figcaption>
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Who better to kick off the list than the Englishmen themselves? We bring you back to the 1970s and 1980s when a duo was ruling Test cricket like a boss. Bob Willis and Ian Botham always played an integral part in The Ashes as they complimented each other pretty well.
Bob Willis was the experienced one from the duo, having debuted back in 1971. He played over 90 Tests and picked up 325 wickets at an average of 25. He and Botham combined put in performances one for ages in the 1981 Ashes. His best figure of 43/8 came in the same series.
Meanwhile, <a href="https://www.crictracker.com/ian-bothams-granddaughter-imani-jayne-botham-eyeing-miss-england-crown/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Ian Botham</a> was a proper all-rounder, arguably the best of all time. He would smash bowlers all over the park and was known for his aggressive style of play. But make no mistake when we say his bowling career was even better, he played over 100 Tests for England before retiring in the summer of 1992.

<h3>9. Trent Boult and Tim Southee</h3>
<figure id="attachment_514298" aria-describedby="caption-attachment-514298" style="width: 636px;" class="wp-caption aligncenter"><img class="size-full wp-image-514298" src="https://media.crictracker.com/media/attachments/2021/05/Trent-Boult-Tim-Southee.jpg" alt="Trent Boult &amp; Tim Southee" width="636" loading="lazy">
<figcaption id="caption-attachment-514298" class="wp-caption-text">Trent Boult &amp; Tim Southee. (Photo Source: Twitter)</figcaption>
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Moving from the old era to the modern, here’s a pair who’s been doing wonders for New Zealand for a decade now. Tim Southee and Trent Boult have been a key reason behind New Zealand’s consistency in the last few years. In fact, both started together as a part of the New Zealand U-19 team back in 2008.
Tim Southee is the man of big occasions. Man of the tournament in 2008 U-19 World Cup, 18 wickets at a fantastic average of 17 in the 2011 World Cup and an all-round performance in the 2015 <a href="https://www.crictracker.com/pat-cummins-states-playing-t20-world-cup-in-india-amid-raging-pandemic-as-unsafe-and-drain-on-resources/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">World Cup</a> prove the statement. In swinging conditions, he’s the go-to man for the Kiwis.
Trent Boult started quite late when compared to Southee but he has had a remarkable impact. He’s a great bowler across formats and can be regarded as one of the best at the moment. A gun bowler, Boult is renowned for his ability to trouble the batters with the new ball.&nbsp;

<h3>8. Dennis Lillee and Jeff Thomson</h3>
<figure id="attachment_514299" aria-describedby="caption-attachment-514299" style="width: 636px;" class="wp-caption aligncenter"><img class="size-full wp-image-514299" src="https://media.crictracker.com/media/attachments/2021/05/Dennis-Lillee-and-Jeff-Thomson.jpg" alt="Dennis Lillee and Jeff Thomson" width="636" loading="lazy">
<figcaption id="caption-attachment-514299" class="wp-caption-text">Dennis Lillee and Jeff Thomson. (Photo Source: Twitter)</figcaption>
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Although it’s been a long time since their retirement, the new age cricket fans must have heard of these names as well. That’s the impact that Dennis Lillee and <a href="https://www.crictracker.com/india-vs-england-australia-legend-jeff-thomsons-name-shines-after-prasidh-krishnas-terrific-international-debut/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Jeff Thomson</a> made in the world of cricket. Quick and intimidating would be an understatement while describing these two legends.
Unlike the other duos on this list, these two guys started around the same time and ended their careers in almost the same period as well. They played about 120 Tests combined and picked up 550+ wickets. Undoubtedly, it was one of the best eras in Australian fast-bowling history.
Dennis Lillee is regarded as the most complete fast bowler of all time. Meanwhile, Jeff Thomson is possibly the fastest bowler, as he could even touch 155 kmph during his fastest spells. They clearly paved the way for many pacers to come in the near future in Australian cricket.

<h3>7. Joel Garner and Michael Holding</h3>
<figure id="attachment_514295" aria-describedby="caption-attachment-514295" style="width: 636px;" class="wp-caption aligncenter"><img class="size-full wp-image-514295" src="https://media.crictracker.com/media/attachments/2021/05/Joel-Garner-Michael-Holding.jpg" alt="Joel Garner &amp; Michael Holding" width="636" loading="lazy">
<figcaption id="caption-attachment-514295" class="wp-caption-text">Joel Garner &amp; Michael Holding. (Photo Source: Twitter)</figcaption>
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Let’s move to the west since we have already talked enough about English, Australian and New Zealand fast bowlers. Here are two bowlers who were the prior reason behind West Indies’ dominance in the late 70s and late 80s. Joel Garner and <a href="https://www.crictracker.com/michael-holding-emphasises-the-importance-of-ms-dhoni-after-indias-loss-to-australia/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Michael Holding</a>, the names are enough.
These two bowlers started around the same time as well. As has been the case with West Indian cricketers, they could turn up with the ball on their given day too. Tall, ruthless, accurate, these bowlers ticked all the boxes.
Joel Garner, the lesser-talked-about name between the two, had an outstanding average of just 20 in Test cricket with 259 wickets to his name. He picked up 146 wickets in the ODIs too, at an astonishing average of a mere 18.85. Michael Holding, on the other hand, was the spearhead of West Indian fast bowling, and his athleticism was on some other level.

<h3>6. Stuart Broad and James Anderson</h3>
<figure id="attachment_188970" aria-describedby="caption-attachment-188970" style="width: 640px;" class="wp-caption aligncenter"><img src="https://media.crictracker.com/media/attachments/1664025147748_Anderson-and-Stuart-broad.jpeg" alt="" width="640" loading="lazy"> 
<figcaption id="caption-attachment-188970" class="wp-caption-text">James Anderson and Stuart Broad (Photo Source: Twitter)</figcaption>
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Having played a combined 300+ Tests for England, this duo has a load of experience. To add to it, they have bagged more than 1200 Test wickets. No, these are not cricket game figures. These belong to two modern-day legends who have done so in more of a batting-friendly era.
James Anderson is currently the highest wicket-taker amongst pacers in Test cricket. Even at the age of 40, the lad from Lancashire keeps on getting better and better, eyeing another Ashes before finally hanging up his boots. It’s difficult for fast bowlers to maintain their fitness and if someone has played over 170 Tests, you just have to bow down to that achievement alone.
Stuart Broad is more often remembered for getting hit six sixes in an over by <a href="https://www.crictracker.com/ipl-2021-yuvraj-singh-very-happy-for-harpreet-brar-after-the-latters-all-round-show-in-pbks-vs-rcb-match/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Yuvraj Singh</a>. Credit where it’s due, the Englishmen hasn’t looked back ever since and is currently on top of his game. He might not be lauded enough but the guy has done his job across formats, primarily in Test cricket.

<h3>5. Shaun Pollock and Allan Donald</h3>
<figure id="attachment_514297" aria-describedby="caption-attachment-514297" style="width: 636px;" class="wp-caption aligncenter"><img class="size-full wp-image-514297" src="https://media.crictracker.com/media/attachments/2021/05/Shaun-Pollock-Allan-Donald.jpg" alt="Shaun Pollock &amp; Allan Donald" width="636" loading="lazy">
<figcaption id="caption-attachment-514297" class="wp-caption-text">Shaun Pollock &amp; Allan Donald. (Photo Source: Twitter)</figcaption>
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In the mid-90s, South Africa was possibly the most balanced side in the world of cricket. While Makhaya Ntini joined them later on, it was the duo of Shaun Pollock &amp; Allan Donald that sowed the seeds in terms of quality fast bowling. It’s a surprise that South Africa couldn’t win a World Cup during this phase.
Allan Donald used to be called “the white lightning” because of his incredible pace &amp; accuracy. When he started off, there were some incredible batsmen coming to their own in the likes of Brian Lara, <a href="https://www.crictracker.com/sachin-was-very-soft-virat-comes-out-aggressive-venkatesh-prasad-draws-comparison-between-sachin-tendulkar-and-virat-kohli/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Sachin Tendulkar</a>, Saeed Anwar etc. So having 20 five-wicket hauls in a space of 129 innings was a huge achievement.
Shaun Pollock had a lot to offer with the bat as well. While Allan Donald was known for his pace, Shaun Pollock was the one who would bowl with more accuracy. Having played over 12 years in international cricket, Shaun picked up 829 wickets throughout the course of his career.

<h3>4. Dale Steyn and Morne Morkel</h3>
<figure id="attachment_205770" aria-describedby="caption-attachment-205770" style="width: 640px;" class="wp-caption aligncenter"><img class="size-full wp-image-205770" src="https://media.crictracker.com/media/attachments/2018/01/South-Africa.jpg" alt="South Africa" width="640" loading="lazy">
<figcaption id="caption-attachment-205770" class="wp-caption-text">Andile Phehlukwayo, Kagiso Rabada, Dale Steyn and Morne Morkel during the South African national cricket team training session. (Photo by Shaun Roy/Gallo Images/Getty Images)</figcaption>
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Another South African bowling duo to feature on the list, <a href="https://www.crictracker.com/dale-steyn-takes-a-sly-dig-at-a-fan-after-bcci-postpones-ipl-2021-indefinitely/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Dale Steyn</a> and Morne Morkel is arguably the best pace duo in recent times. They might not have as many wickets as the Anderson-Broad pair, but they had a huge impact on the game. They ruled Test cricket in the late 2000s and early 2010s.
As far as Dale Steyn is concerned, the former express pacer proved his mettle all around the globe. The energy that Steyn brought to the table was second to none. Picking close to 450 wickets in just 93 Tests is no joke and that includes as many as 26 five-wicket hauls along with 5 ten-wicket hauls in an entire match.
Morne Morkel was possibly the most underrated bowler of the modern era. Tall and fast, Morne could trouble the best of batters with his line and lengths. His stint in IPL was quite effective too. With over 300 wickets in red-ball cricket, Morkel formed a daunting partnership with Dale Steyn for the Proteas.

<h3>3. Curtly Ambrose and Courtney Walsh</h3>
<figure id="attachment_232550" aria-describedby="caption-attachment-232550" style="width: 640px;" class="wp-caption aligncenter"><img class="size-full wp-image-232550" src="https://media.crictracker.com/media/attachments/2018/03/Courtney-Walsh-1.jpg" alt="Courtney Walsh" width="640" loading="lazy">
<figcaption id="caption-attachment-232550" class="wp-caption-text">Courtney Walsh of the West Indies is congratulated by teammate Curtley Ambrose. (Photo Source: Getty Images)</figcaption>
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West Indies might have seen its best time in the late 70s and early 80s but their best bowling duo was yet to arrive on the scene. Ambrose and Walsh started playing for West Indies in the mid-80s. Although they had all the attributes the former legendary West Indies pacers possessed, there was something unique about both of them.
<a href="https://www.crictracker.com/jasprit-bumrah-has-the-potential-to-reach-where-james-anderson-and-stuart-broad-have-reached-courtney-walsh/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Courtney Walsh</a> has to be the most unusual West Indies player. He was very humble and gentle while playing the game as well, contrary to the other fast bowlers in the international circuit, let alone West Indies. He was the first to take 500 wickets in Test cricket and had over 100 five-wicket hauls in domestic cricket.
“Sir” Curtly Ambrose on the other hand was the typical West Indian bowler, standing at 6’7 and generating amazing pace and bounce. One of his highlight performances was getting 7 wickets in just 32 balls while he gave just 1 run in the innings. It’s practically impossible to replicate such figures ever again in international cricket.

<h3>2. Brett Lee and Glenn McGrath</h3>
<figure id="attachment_514296" aria-describedby="caption-attachment-514296" style="width: 636px;" class="wp-caption aligncenter"><img class="size-full wp-image-514296" src="https://media.crictracker.com/media/attachments/2021/05/Brett-Lee-Glenn-McGrath.jpg" alt="Brett Lee &amp; Glenn McGrath" width="636" loading="lazy">
<figcaption id="caption-attachment-514296" class="wp-caption-text">Brett Lee &amp; Glenn McGrath. (Photo Source: Twitter)</figcaption>
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While West Indies dominated the 70s &amp; 80, Aussies were all over the place from the late 90s up until the late 2000s. It is one of the most dominant stints in the cricketing world with every member of the playing XI a potential match-winner. Two of such figures were Brett Lee and Glenn McGrath.
For a pace duo to succeed, one has to be really accurate with his lines and another should be bowling at a ferocious pace. There’s no better example of this statement than the dynamic duo of Brett Lee and <a href="https://www.crictracker.com/the-difference-he-made-was-to-bring-in-the-aura-of-calmness-prasidh-krishna-on-glenn-mcgraths-influence-on-his-bowling/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Glenn McGrath</a>. While McGrath would almost never err in his lines, Brett Lee would come with some fiery spells of toe-crushing Yorkers and deafening bouncers.
Both had pretty long careers and excelled in each format of the game. While Glenn McGrath would take the lead in the longest format of the game, it was Brett Lee who would come with more match-winning performances in ODIs. There are many reasons why Australia faced almost no competition in the 2003 and 2007 World Cups, and Lee and McGrath should be on top of those reasons.

<h3>1. Wasim Akram and Waqar Younis</h3>
<figure id="attachment_235711" aria-describedby="caption-attachment-235711" style="width: 640px;" class="wp-caption aligncenter"><img class="size-full wp-image-235711" src="https://media.crictracker.com/media/attachments/2018/03/Wasim-Akram-Waqar-Younis.jpg" alt="Wasim Akram &amp; Waqar Younis of Pakistan" width="640" loading="lazy">
<figcaption id="caption-attachment-235711" class="wp-caption-text">Wasim Akram &amp; Waqar Younis. (Photo Source: Twitter)</figcaption>
</figure>
Pace duos have come and gone but to rule the world of cricket for 1 and a half-decade is no mean feat. Pakistan has always had a rich history of fast bowling over the years. But none would have an impact and longevity like Wasim and Waqar.
It could be seen in the matches of India and Pakistan during the 90s. While batting of both the teams were evenly matched, the bowling department, especially pacers, wouldn’t ever be debated in that era. Such was the impact of <a href="https://www.crictracker.com/recover-soon-master-wasim-akram-posts-heartwarming-message-for-sachin-tendulkar/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Wasim Akram</a> and Waqar Younis that they stole away a lot of matches from India’s pockets from time to time, most of the times in such one spell.
Waqar Younis was one of the fastest pace bowlers of his time while Wasim Akram used to be labelled as ‘the king of swing’. The unique part is that both of them didn’t play much domestic cricket before entering the international circuit. It was never a concern as they went on to pick over 1700 wickets combined across formats.

Who doesn’t like to see a fiery spell from a pace bowler? When a fast bowler is on the song, it is always a treat for all cricket lovers. If the conditions can help the bowler just a tad bit, it’s ici

10 greatest pace bowling duos of all-time

We have seen some incredible fast bowlers come and go, writing their names on the history books.

Who doesn't like to see a fiery spell from a pace bowler? When a fast bowler is on the song, it is always a treat for all cricket lovers. If