Best current bowlers across all cricket formats

Cricket is often described as a batter’s game, and rightly so because of the many advantages a batter gets in various facets of the game. Ranging from shorter boundary ropes to bigger bats are one of the major delights the power hitters relish. Even though it is said that good batters win teams' matches, good bowlers have the potential to win their sides' major tournaments. Ever wondered why?
It’s because the batter needs to be successful every time a bowler comes into bowl, whereas a bowler needs to be lucky enough once to see the back of the powermakers towards the dressing room. With the popularity of T20s increasing, cricket has become more biased towards the batsmen as people are excited by fours and sixes and not by bowlers bowling dot balls and hitting the stumps.
However, some bowlers bowl their hearts and soul out and manage to do the job for the team. Such bowlers are invaluable to the success of a team. Hence, it can be safely said that till these bowlers are around the cricketing arena, batsmen will have to work hard for their runs. In the same vein, let's examine some fantabulous bowlers who have given a tough to batters in the ongoing year 2024.
Also Check: <a href="https://www.crictracker.com/top-10-fastest-deliveries-ever-bowled-in-international-cricket/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Fastest Balls in Cricket</a>
<hr>
<h3>Here is the list of top 10 most valuable bowlers in the cricketing world currently:&nbsp;</h3>
<h3>10. Nathan Lyon</h3>
<figure class="image align-center" style="max-width: 100%; margin: 0;"><amp-img src="https://media.crictracker.com/media/attachments/1687848190264_Nathan-Lyon.jpeg" alt="Nathan Lyon." width="640" height="400" layout="responsive" style="max-width: 100%; margin: 0;"></amp-img>
<figcaption>Nathan Lyon. (Photo Source: Gettyimages)</figcaption>
</figure>
The legendary Aussie spinner might be 36 years old but is showing no signs of slowing down. In 2024, he has bagged 25 wickets in five Tests at an average of 17.44 and an economy rate of 2.84.
Nathan Lyon's best figure so far in 2024 is the 6/65 he recorded against New Zealand in the first Test in Wellington. He went on to take 10 wickets in the match. This was the first 10-wicket haul by a spinner in New Zealand since 2006. With 530 Test wickets to his name, Lyon is one of the most successful active bowlers in the longest format of the game.

<h3>9. Pat Cummins</h3>
<figure class="image align-center" style="max-width: 100%; margin: 0;"><amp-img src="https://media.crictracker.com/media/attachments/1705632825573_Pat-Cummins.jpeg" alt="Pat-Cummins" width="640" height="400" layout="responsive" style="max-width: 100%; margin: 0;"></amp-img>
<figcaption>Pat-Cummins. (Photo by Paul Kane/Getty Images)</figcaption>
</figure>
Pat Cummins has been splendid with the ball to complement his leadership qualities. The Australian seamer has been able to adapt to different conditions and his use of variations has been commendable in white-ball cricket.
In 2024, Skipper Cummins has taken 28 wickets, including best figures of 5/61 against Pakistan in the third Test in Sydney. The 31-year-old is always trying to add new skills to his repertoire even after achieving so much success in his illustrious career. This quality makes him stand out among his peers.
Also Check:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.crictracker.com/top-10-strongest-throwing-arms-in-world-cricket-currently/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Top 10 strongest throwing arms in world cricket currently</a>

<h3>8. Fazalhaq Farooqi</h3>
<figure class="image align-center" style="max-width: 100%; margin: 0;"><amp-img src="https://media.crictracker.com/media/attachments/1717473972454_Fazalhaq-Farooqi.jpeg" alt="Fazalhaq Farooqi" width="640" height="400" layout="responsive" style="max-width: 100%; margin: 0;"></amp-img>
<figcaption>Fazalhaq Farooqi. (Photo Source: ICC)</figcaption>
</figure>
The fiery&nbsp;Afghanistan pacer is improving by the day and his performances in the T20 World Cup 2024 helped him earn rich praise from fans as well as experts. He was the joint-highest wicket-taker at the 20-team event, picking up 17 wickets in eight games at an average of 9.41 and a strike rate of 8.94.
This year, Fazalhaq Farooqi has bagged 30 wickets and his best figures came against Uganda in the World Cup, where he had figures of 5/9. The left-arm seamer has also done well in the various franchise leagues across the world and enhanced his reputation among cricket fanatics.

<h3>7. Mark Adair</h3>
<figure class="image align-center" style="max-width: 100%; margin: 0;"><amp-img src="https://media.crictracker.com/media/featureimage/Mark-Adair.jpg" alt="Mark Adair" width="640" height="400" layout="responsive" style="max-width: 100%; margin: 0;"></amp-img>
<figcaption>Mark Adair. (Photo Source: Ireland Cricket)</figcaption>
</figure>
The Irish seamer has been silently performing for Ireland for the last five years but he has upped the ante in 2024.&nbsp;Mark Adair has an average of 19 this year and has taken 31 wickets. His pace and accuracy have troubled some of the more accomplished batters in world cricket.
Adair's best figures in 2024 came against Afghanistan as he finished with figures of 5/31, helping Ireland register their first-ever in Test cricket. The right-arm pacer will look to go from strength to strength in the upcoming tournaments after having a quiet T20 World Cup 2024.
Also Check:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.crictracker.com/ranking-indias-top-10-odi-match-winners-of-all-time/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">India’s Top 10 ODI match-winners of all-time</a>
<h3>6. Kuldeep Yadav</h3>
<figure class="image align-center" style="max-width: 100%; margin: 0;"><amp-img src="https://media.crictracker.com/media/attachments/1719126742787_FotoJet-(11).jpeg" alt="Kuldeep Yadav" width="640" height="400" layout="responsive" style="max-width: 100%; margin: 0;"></amp-img>
<figcaption>Kuldeep Yadav. (Photo Source: Getty Images)</figcaption>
</figure>
The willy left-arm wrist spinner had a dip in form during his latter years at Kolkata Knight Riders. His performances for India were quite disappointing and he was subsequently left out of the side. However, since his move to Delhi Capitals, the 29-year-old has rediscovered his form and is now India's premier spinner in limited-overs cricket.
In 2024, he picked up 30 wickets at an average of 18.43 across the three formats of the game. Kuldeep Yadav had a stupendous T20 World Cup 2024 campaign for India as he finished with 10 wickets from five matches at an average of 13.90 and a strike rate of 12. His best figures in 2024 came in the fifth Test against England in Dharamsala. The Kanpur-born had figures of 5/72 in the first innings.

<h3>5. Matt Henry</h3>
<figure class="image align-center" style="max-width: 100%; margin: 0;"><amp-img src="https://media.crictracker.com/media/attachments/1711787229651_Matt-Henry.jpeg" alt="Matt Henry" width="640" height="400" layout="responsive" style="max-width: 100%; margin: 0;"></amp-img>
<figcaption>Matt Henry. (Source -Twitter/X)</figcaption>
</figure>
New Zealand seamer has gotten more opportunities since Trent Boult opted to pick and choose his international appearances. In 2024,&nbsp;Matt Henry has bowled wonderfully well and his consistency has been a sight to behold. He has bagged 30 wickets this year at an average of 18.63. His economy rate is a remarkable 3.57
Henry produced his best performance in 2024 against Australia in the second Test in Christchurch. In Australia's first innings, the right-arm speedster bagged seven wickets, conceding 67 runs in 23 overs. Henry's exploits with the new ball are key for the Blackcaps as he has the ability to swing it both ways at a good pace.
Also Check:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.crictracker.com/cricket-news/list-of-cricketers-whose-jersey-numbers-have-been-retired" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Top 10 cricketers and their retired jersey numbers in cricket history</a>

<h3>4. Shaheen Afridi</h3>
<figure class="image align-center" style="max-width: 100%; margin: 0;"><amp-img src="https://media.crictracker.com/media/attachments/1718560348919_Shaheen-Afridi.jpeg" alt="Shaheen Afridi" width="640" height="400" layout="responsive" style="max-width: 100%; margin: 0;"></amp-img>
<figcaption>Shaheen Afridi. (Photo Source: ICC)</figcaption>
</figure>
The Pakistani pacer didn't have a memorable T20 World Cup 2024 campaign, much like his team, who suffered a shocking exit in the first round. In four games, he picked up just five wickets. However, before the marquee event,&nbsp;Shaheen Afridi had been in stellar form.
The 24-year-old has taken 32 wickets at an average of 15.71 in 2024. Shaheen suffered a personal setback this year as he was stripped of captaincy after just one series. However, like a true professional, he didn't let that affect his performance. The left-arm seamer's best figures in 2024 of 4/30 came against New Zealand in the fifth T20I in Lahore. As Pakistan look to bounce back from their T20 World Cup debacle, Shaheen's efforts with the ball will be the key.

<h3>3. Wanindu Hasaranga</h3>
<figure class="image align-center" style="max-width: 100%; margin: 0;"><amp-img src="https://media.crictracker.com/media/attachments/1717819052809_Wanindu-Hasaranga.jpeg" alt="Wanindu Hasaranga" width="640" height="400" layout="responsive" style="max-width: 100%; margin: 0;"></amp-img>
<figcaption>Wanindu Hasaranga. (Source - Twitter/X)</figcaption>
</figure>
The ace Sri Lankan leg spinner hasn't played a Test match in over three years but his performances in limited-overs cricket has been sensational. Batters have failed to solve his mystery and his ability to take wickets in clusters makes him a lethal weapon for his team.
Wanindu Hasaranga has accounted for 36 wickets in 2024 at an average of 14.61, which is the second-best for a bowler this year. The leg-spinner delivered his best performance of 7/19 against Zimbabwe in Colombo in an ODI encounter in January. This is his best bowling figures in international cricket.
Also Check:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.crictracker.com/cricket-opinion/ranking-the-top-10-t20i-jerseys-of-all-time" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Ranking the top 10 T20I jerseys of all time</a>
<h3>2. Josh Hazlewood</h3>
<figure class="image align-center" style="max-width: 100%; margin: 0;"><amp-img src="https://media.crictracker.com/media/attachments/1704439108538_Josh-Hazlewood.jpeg" alt="Josh Hazlewood" width="640" height="400" layout="responsive" style="max-width: 100%; margin: 0;"></amp-img>
<figcaption>Josh Hazlewood. (Photo Source: X(Twitter)</figcaption>
</figure>
The Australian speedster is known for his relentless accuracy. He has been in prime form in 2024, having scalped 39 wickets at an impressive average of 18.15 across all formats. Notably, Josh Hazlewood's economy rate in 2024 is just 3.61. He finished as the leading wicket-taker for Australia in the Test series against the West Indies earlier this year. In two games, he bagged 14 wickets at an average of 10.
Hazlewood's best performance this year came against New Zealand in Christchurch in the second Test. In the first innings, he returned with figures of 5/31 in 13.2 overs. He dismissed four out of the first five Kiwi batters in the innings. The 33-year-old didn't have a great campaign in the T20 World Cup as he picked up only four wickets in six games and it didn't help Australia's cause as they failed to reach the semifinals.

<h3>1. Jasprit Bumrah</h3>
<figure class="image align-center" style="max-width: 100%; margin: 0;"><amp-img src="https://media.crictracker.com/media/attachments/1717962380547_Jasprit-Bumrah-and-Virat-Kohli.jpeg" alt="Jasprit Bumrah and Virat Kohli" width="640" height="400" layout="responsive" style="max-width: 100%; margin: 0;"></amp-img>
<figcaption>Jasprit Bumrah and Virat Kohli. (Photo Source: ICC)</figcaption>
</figure>
The Indian stalwart has been in exceptional form in 2024. Jasprit Bumrah is the leading wicket-taker across the three formats, having bagged 42 wickets at an awe-inspiring average of 12.64. He played all the games for India in their triumphant T20 World Cup-winning campaign and was adjudged Player of the Tournament. Bumrah has a miserly economy rate of 3.41 this year.
The right-arm pacer missed the 2022 T20 World Cup after suffering a stress fracture on his back. He underwent surgery and made a comeback last year in a T20I series against Ireland. Since his return, Bumrah has gone from strength to strength, showing the cricket fraternity how lethal he can be across formats. His ability to excel in all sorts of conditions makes him special. His best figures in 2024 came against England when he finished with figures of 6/45 in the second Test in Vizag.
Also Check:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.crictracker.com/cricket-appeal/top-10-iconic-indian-cricketers-and-their-home-states" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Top 10 Iconic Indian cricketers and their home states</a>

Cricket is often described as a batter’s game, and rightly so because of the many advantages a batter gets in various facets of the game. Ranging from shorter boundary ropes to bigger bats are one of the major delights the power hitters relish. Even though it is said that good batters win teams' matches, good bowlers have the potential to win their sides' major tournaments. Ever wondered why?
It’s because the batter needs to be successful every time a bowler comes into bowl, whereas a bowler needs to be lucky enough once to see the back of the powermakers towards the dressing room. With the popularity of T20s increasing, cricket has become more biased towards the batsmen as people are excited by fours and sixes and not by bowlers bowling dot balls and hitting the stumps.
However, some bowlers bowl their hearts and soul out and manage to do the job for the team. Such bowlers are invaluable to the success of a team. Hence, it can be safely said that till these bowlers are around the cricketing arena, batsmen will have to work hard for their runs. In the same vein, let's examine some fantabulous bowlers who have given a tough to batters in the ongoing year 2024.
Also Check: <a href="https://www.crictracker.com/top-10-fastest-deliveries-ever-bowled-in-international-cricket/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Fastest Balls in Cricket</a>
<hr>
<h3>Here is the list of top 10 most valuable bowlers in the cricketing world currently:&nbsp;</h3>
<h3>10. Nathan Lyon</h3>
<figure class="image align-center"><img src="https://media.crictracker.com/media/attachments/1687848190264_Nathan-Lyon.jpeg" alt="Nathan Lyon." loading="lazy">
<figcaption>Nathan Lyon. (Photo Source: Gettyimages)</figcaption>
</figure>
The legendary Aussie spinner might be 36 years old but is showing no signs of slowing down. In 2024, he has bagged 25 wickets in five Tests at an average of 17.44 and an economy rate of 2.84.
Nathan Lyon's best figure so far in 2024 is the 6/65 he recorded against New Zealand in the first Test in Wellington. He went on to take 10 wickets in the match. This was the first 10-wicket haul by a spinner in New Zealand since 2006. With 530 Test wickets to his name, Lyon is one of the most successful active bowlers in the longest format of the game.

<h3>9. Pat Cummins</h3>
<figure class="image align-center"><img src="https://media.crictracker.com/media/attachments/1705632825573_Pat-Cummins.jpeg" alt="Pat-Cummins" loading="lazy">
<figcaption>Pat-Cummins. (Photo by Paul Kane/Getty Images)</figcaption>
</figure>
Pat Cummins has been splendid with the ball to complement his leadership qualities. The Australian seamer has been able to adapt to different conditions and his use of variations has been commendable in white-ball cricket.
In 2024, Skipper Cummins has taken 28 wickets, including best figures of 5/61 against Pakistan in the third Test in Sydney. The 31-year-old is always trying to add new skills to his repertoire even after achieving so much success in his illustrious career. This quality makes him stand out among his peers.
Also Check:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.crictracker.com/top-10-strongest-throwing-arms-in-world-cricket-currently/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Top 10 strongest throwing arms in world cricket currently</a>

<h3>8. Fazalhaq Farooqi</h3>
<figure class="image align-center"><img src="https://media.crictracker.com/media/attachments/1717473972454_Fazalhaq-Farooqi.jpeg" alt="Fazalhaq Farooqi" loading="lazy">
<figcaption>Fazalhaq Farooqi. (Photo Source: ICC)</figcaption>
</figure>
The fiery&nbsp;Afghanistan pacer is improving by the day and his performances in the T20 World Cup 2024 helped him earn rich praise from fans as well as experts. He was the joint-highest wicket-taker at the 20-team event, picking up 17 wickets in eight games at an average of 9.41 and a strike rate of 8.94.
This year, Fazalhaq Farooqi has bagged 30 wickets and his best figures came against Uganda in the World Cup, where he had figures of 5/9. The left-arm seamer has also done well in the various franchise leagues across the world and enhanced his reputation among cricket fanatics.

<h3>7. Mark Adair</h3>
<figure class="image align-center"><img src="https://media.crictracker.com/media/featureimage/Mark-Adair.jpg" alt="Mark Adair" loading="lazy">
<figcaption>Mark Adair. (Photo Source: Ireland Cricket)</figcaption>
</figure>
The Irish seamer has been silently performing for Ireland for the last five years but he has upped the ante in 2024.&nbsp;Mark Adair has an average of 19 this year and has taken 31 wickets. His pace and accuracy have troubled some of the more accomplished batters in world cricket.
Adair's best figures in 2024 came against Afghanistan as he finished with figures of 5/31, helping Ireland register their first-ever in Test cricket. The right-arm pacer will look to go from strength to strength in the upcoming tournaments after having a quiet T20 World Cup 2024.
Also Check:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.crictracker.com/ranking-indias-top-10-odi-match-winners-of-all-time/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">India’s Top 10 ODI match-winners of all-time</a>
<h3>6. Kuldeep Yadav</h3>
<figure class="image align-center"><img src="https://media.crictracker.com/media/attachments/1719126742787_FotoJet-(11).jpeg" alt="Kuldeep Yadav" loading="lazy">
<figcaption>Kuldeep Yadav. (Photo Source: Getty Images)</figcaption>
</figure>
The willy left-arm wrist spinner had a dip in form during his latter years at Kolkata Knight Riders. His performances for India were quite disappointing and he was subsequently left out of the side. However, since his move to Delhi Capitals, the 29-year-old has rediscovered his form and is now India's premier spinner in limited-overs cricket.
In 2024, he picked up 30 wickets at an average of 18.43 across the three formats of the game. Kuldeep Yadav had a stupendous T20 World Cup 2024 campaign for India as he finished with 10 wickets from five matches at an average of 13.90 and a strike rate of 12. His best figures in 2024 came in the fifth Test against England in Dharamsala. The Kanpur-born had figures of 5/72 in the first innings.

<h3>5. Matt Henry</h3>
<figure class="image align-center"><img src="https://media.crictracker.com/media/attachments/1711787229651_Matt-Henry.jpeg" alt="Matt Henry" loading="lazy">
<figcaption>Matt Henry. (Source -Twitter/X)</figcaption>
</figure>
New Zealand seamer has gotten more opportunities since Trent Boult opted to pick and choose his international appearances. In 2024,&nbsp;Matt Henry has bowled wonderfully well and his consistency has been a sight to behold. He has bagged 30 wickets this year at an average of 18.63. His economy rate is a remarkable 3.57
Henry produced his best performance in 2024 against Australia in the second Test in Christchurch. In Australia's first innings, the right-arm speedster bagged seven wickets, conceding 67 runs in 23 overs. Henry's exploits with the new ball are key for the Blackcaps as he has the ability to swing it both ways at a good pace.
Also Check:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.crictracker.com/cricket-news/list-of-cricketers-whose-jersey-numbers-have-been-retired" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Top 10 cricketers and their retired jersey numbers in cricket history</a>

<h3>4. Shaheen Afridi</h3>
<figure class="image align-center"><img src="https://media.crictracker.com/media/attachments/1718560348919_Shaheen-Afridi.jpeg" alt="Shaheen Afridi" loading="lazy">
<figcaption>Shaheen Afridi. (Photo Source: ICC)</figcaption>
</figure>
The Pakistani pacer didn't have a memorable T20 World Cup 2024 campaign, much like his team, who suffered a shocking exit in the first round. In four games, he picked up just five wickets. However, before the marquee event,&nbsp;Shaheen Afridi had been in stellar form.
The 24-year-old has taken 32 wickets at an average of 15.71 in 2024. Shaheen suffered a personal setback this year as he was stripped of captaincy after just one series. However, like a true professional, he didn't let that affect his performance. The left-arm seamer's best figures in 2024 of 4/30 came against New Zealand in the fifth T20I in Lahore. As Pakistan look to bounce back from their T20 World Cup debacle, Shaheen's efforts with the ball will be the key.

<h3>3. Wanindu Hasaranga</h3>
<figure class="image align-center"><img src="https://media.crictracker.com/media/attachments/1717819052809_Wanindu-Hasaranga.jpeg" alt="Wanindu Hasaranga" loading="lazy">
<figcaption>Wanindu Hasaranga. (Source - Twitter/X)</figcaption>
</figure>
The ace Sri Lankan leg spinner hasn't played a Test match in over three years but his performances in limited-overs cricket has been sensational. Batters have failed to solve his mystery and his ability to take wickets in clusters makes him a lethal weapon for his team.
Wanindu Hasaranga has accounted for 36 wickets in 2024 at an average of 14.61, which is the second-best for a bowler this year. The leg-spinner delivered his best performance of 7/19 against Zimbabwe in Colombo in an ODI encounter in January. This is his best bowling figures in international cricket.
Also Check:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.crictracker.com/cricket-opinion/ranking-the-top-10-t20i-jerseys-of-all-time" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Ranking the top 10 T20I jerseys of all time</a>
<h3>2. Josh Hazlewood</h3>
<figure class="image align-center"><img src="https://media.crictracker.com/media/attachments/1704439108538_Josh-Hazlewood.jpeg" alt="Josh Hazlewood" loading="lazy">
<figcaption>Josh Hazlewood. (Photo Source: X(Twitter)</figcaption>
</figure>
The Australian speedster is known for his relentless accuracy. He has been in prime form in 2024, having scalped 39 wickets at an impressive average of 18.15 across all formats. Notably, Josh Hazlewood's economy rate in 2024 is just 3.61. He finished as the leading wicket-taker for Australia in the Test series against the West Indies earlier this year. In two games, he bagged 14 wickets at an average of 10.
Hazlewood's best performance this year came against New Zealand in Christchurch in the second Test. In the first innings, he returned with figures of 5/31 in 13.2 overs. He dismissed four out of the first five Kiwi batters in the innings. The 33-year-old didn't have a great campaign in the T20 World Cup as he picked up only four wickets in six games and it didn't help Australia's cause as they failed to reach the semifinals.

<h3>1. Jasprit Bumrah</h3>
<figure class="image align-center"><img src="https://media.crictracker.com/media/attachments/1717962380547_Jasprit-Bumrah-and-Virat-Kohli.jpeg" alt="Jasprit Bumrah and Virat Kohli" loading="lazy">
<figcaption>Jasprit Bumrah and Virat Kohli. (Photo Source: ICC)</figcaption>
</figure>
The Indian stalwart has been in exceptional form in 2024. Jasprit Bumrah is the leading wicket-taker across the three formats, having bagged 42 wickets at an awe-inspiring average of 12.64. He played all the games for India in their triumphant T20 World Cup-winning campaign and was adjudged Player of the Tournament. Bumrah has a miserly economy rate of 3.41 this year.
The right-arm pacer missed the 2022 T20 World Cup after suffering a stress fracture on his back. He underwent surgery and made a comeback last year in a T20I series against Ireland. Since his return, Bumrah has gone from strength to strength, showing the cricket fraternity how lethal he can be across formats. His ability to excel in all sorts of conditions makes him special. His best figures in 2024 came against England when he finished with figures of 6/45 in the second Test in Vizag.
Also Check:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.crictracker.com/cricket-appeal/top-10-iconic-indian-cricketers-and-their-home-states" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Top 10 Iconic Indian cricketers and their home states</a>

Cricket is often described as a batter’s game, and rightly so because of the many advantages a batter gets in various facets of the game. Ranging from shorter boundary ropes to bigger bats are one of

There are bowlers who are ruling the world cricket currently

There are bowlers who are ruling the world cricket currently across various formats.

Ranking top 10 current most valuable bowlers across all formats

Check out the top 10 most valuable bowlers in all cricket formats, along with their skills and performances, and see how the best current bowlers dominate the world of cricket today.