Rating the 10 best current fast bowlers

In the cricketing circle, there is a saying that ‘The game is a great leveller’ and it is true in every sense. Its prime example is the recent re-emergence of the fast-bowling in world cricket. After suffering at the hands of batsmen for more than a decade, the fast-bowlers have regained some of their ground in the last couple of years. Coincidentally, the cricketing fraternity has also seen the rise of some extraordinary fast-bowling talents.

Especially the Indian cricket team which has been redefining their fast-bowling legacy. Apart from them, there are other teams who have also been blessed with world-class pacers.

Hence, now it can be said that the art of pace bowling is in the safe hands for the next decade or so. Among them, certain individuals will also be crossing their paths in the upcoming Test series between New Zealand and India.

Here is the rating of the 10 best fast bowlers in the current scenario:

1. Pat Cummins – 9.5/10

At the moment the Australian team seems to have regained their mojo in the international circuit. Not only they have shrugged off their ball-tampering blues but they have also returned to their winning ways. Such a quick turnaround has only been possible because of the presence of some tough characters in the team’s dressing room.

One such individual is Pat Cummins who showed great mental resolve when the country experienced one of the toughest phases in its cricketing history. With his fiery spells, the cricketer from New South Wales has brought a new sense of hope. In the last two years, Cummins has taken close to 150 international wickets.

Moreover, his consistency and never say die attitude has made him the leader of the pack. He has been equally effective in all formats. What’s more heartening to see is his ability to perform with the same tenacity without showing any signs of fatigue, a facet which hindered his progress in his initial days. So now, looking at his recent form he is destined to write more chapters in the accounts of Australian fast-bowling.

2. Jasprit Bumrah – 9/10

It might be a dream come true for the Indian fans to see their fast-bowlers run in and destroy the opposition with their raging pace. Such has been the rise of the country’s fast-bowing stocks that now the selectors are facing the problem of plenty before every sojourn. In simple terms, the country has successfully completed the pace revolution which was influenced by a bunch of youngsters including Jasprit Bumrah.

Bumrah has quickly turned into the bowling spearhead of the national team. Since his debut, his inspiring spells have allowed the team to create historic moments on the biggest stages. The most notable one being his match-winning performances on the Australian soil which earned the Indian team a memorable Test series win.

Within a short amount of time Bumrah has become the knight in shining armour of Virat Kohli’s army. His weaponry includes pace and accuracy. Particularly his deadly yorkers in limited-overs cricket has made him a nightmare for the opposition. Besides his unique bowling action allows him to create awkward angles which helps him in catching the batsmen off-guard irrespective of the format. In all Bumrah has changed the outlook of Indian fast-bowling.

3. Kagiso Rabada – 8.5/10

Back in 2015 when the South African team visited the Indian shores they created history by winning the ODI series. At the time a teenager ruffled the Blue team’s batting unit with his sheer pace and bounce. Yes, I am talking about Kagiso Rabada who ended up as the leading wicket-taker in that sojourn. Besides who can forget his immaculate death bowling against one of the best white-ball finishers, MS Dhoni as he outfoxed him with his wit and charm.

From there on, the right-arm speedster has been tracing an upward curve in his cricketing graph. He has been terrorizing the batsmen around the world. At 24 he has already taken more than 350 international wickets across formats. More importantly, nowadays he is the leader of the country’s pace department.

In short, Rabada has become a fast-bowling sensation in the cricketing community. Whenever he runs in to bowl it seems a new chapter is going to unfold in front of the spectators. Moreover, his ability to bowl decisive spells at different stages of the game makes him a unique talent.

Be it with the new ball or old ball Rabada brings a sense of excitement with his hostile pace bowling. Although he has his share of disciplinary issues the South African cricket will be counting on him to revive their glory days.

4. Trent Boult – 8.5/10

When it comes to New Zealand cricket the country has often produced quality fast-bowling commodities. From Sir Richard Hadlee to Shane Bond they have been home to some of the iconic fast-bowling stars. Even in the current generation, they have Tim Southee, Neil Wagner, and Trent Boult to define the country’s fast-bowling richness.

Among them, Trent Boult has been a consistent performer for the BlackCaps in the last decade or so. The left-arm pacer has been one of the most skilful pacers in the cricketing spectrum. He has been making various batting units dance to his tunes. Especially his new-ball skills are considered one of the best in the modern-day game. Besides, he can also surprise the batsmen with his sharp bouncers and toe-crushing yorkers.

In all Boult is an efficient operator of the cricket ball. Apart from these qualities what really stands out is his composed character which often helps the New Zealand cricket team in tight situations. It is also evident from his performances in the big tournaments as he has taken 39 wickets in 19 World Cup games. So now once again the Kiwis will be banking on him to end their ICC title drought in the upcoming T20 World Cup.

5. Mitchell Starc – 8/10

Right from the early days the Australian cricket team has been blessed with valuable fast-bowling exponents. Such has been the country’s fast-bowling strength that they have been able to beat their opponents just on the basis of their pace supremacy. Even now, the Aussies have one of the well-rounded pace attacks consisting of Mitchell Starc and Pat Cummins.

Particularly the former who has been making some valuable contributions to the national set-up. Be it the 2015 World Cup triumph or the 2017-18 Ashes series win Starc has always been the central figure whenever the Kangaroos have won important tournaments. Also, whether it is white-ball cricket or red-ball cricket his ability to produce game-changing spells is second to none. That’s why he is a highly rated personnel in the cricketing community.

Starc is one of the rare fast-bowlers who has excelled in every condition. His new-ball skills are as deadly as his searing yorkers in the death overs. In simple terms, Starc is a versatile pacer and his record of 33 wickets in 6 pink-ball Tests is the further validation of the point. Having said that Starc has struggled to maintain consistency in his game which has affected the Australian team on a number of occasions. Still, when he is in full flow he is a real threat to any opposition.

6. Mohammed Shami – 7.5/10

The Indian team is currently enjoying a joyride propelled by their fast-bowling unit. More importantly its been an amazing transformation for a team that has historically struggled with their fast-bowling stocks. One of the individuals who has been responsible for India’s new-found pace muscle is Mohammed Shami.

The Bengal pacer has been generating some mindboggling numbers. In 2019 he ended up as the highest wicket-taker in ODIs with 42 scalps in 21 games. Moreover, he also bagged 33 wickets in 8 Test matches. In all Shami has become a vital cog of the Indian juggernaut as he is putting up match-winning performances at regular intervals.

What’s more impressive is his improved consistency in limited-overs cricket which has allowed the Indian team to field a hostile pace attack against their opponents. Shami’s pace and wicket-taking capabilities make him a valuable asset for the Indian team. Besides, in recent times, he has also added new dimensions to his game. Hence, Shami is now slowly turning into a complete package across formats.

7. Jofra Archer – 7.5/10

Last year, the England cricket fans might have got their tails up when they heard the inclusion of Jofra Archer in their World Cup squad. Immediately the right-arm pacer made his presence felt with his match-winning contributions and helped the Three Lions win their first 50 overs championship. Thereafter, he also proved his mettle in the classic format as he lit up the 2019 Ashes with his fiery spells.

In the end, he turned out to be the most successful English bowler in 2019 as he bagged 55 wickets across formats. It seems the Barbadian-born cricketer is destined for greatness. Within a year of his international debut, he has gained immense popularity in the cricketing community. Notably, he has brought back the memories of the Caribbean pace attack with his effortless fast-bowling.

As far as the England cricket is concerned, they have found an able leader for their fast-bowling department. Besides, his raw pace makes him the X-factor of their current fast-bowling group. However, Archer is new to the international circuit and is yet to master consistency in all the formats. Having said that, he is still expected to give sleepless nights to the opposition teams in the coming times.

8. Bhuvneshwar Kumar – 7/10

At the moment, the Indian team’s bench strength is so good that they are able to win matches even without the services of their star players. Especially their fast-bowling group which has managed to negate the absence of a key player like Bhuvneshwar Kumar. Since his debut in 2013, Kumar has been one of the regular members of the national squad.

Especially in the limited-overs cricket where the Meerut pacer has become a trusted sepoy of Virat Kohli’s army. His new-ball spells and death overs have played an important role in making the Indian team an unstoppable force in the international circuit. Even in the classic format, Kumar has shown his potential in his limited opportunities as he has bagged 4 fifers in 21 Test matches.

In layman terms, Bhuvi is one of the architects of the current Indian fast-bowling core. Though he is not the fastest among the group his execution skills make him a world-class pacer. Besides his strong mental resolve and discipline are his other important weapons. However, in recent times he has been getting injured far too many times and it has affected the team’s plans in important tournaments. So now he should be careful because the T20 World Cup is around the corner.

9. Neil Wagner – 7/10

It might be unfair if Neil Wagner is not included in this list. He may be playing a single format but he deserves a lot of credit for his contributions to the New Zealand Test team. The left-arm pacer has been one of the under-rated stars in the world cricket. Time and again he has awed the cricketing fraternity with his exhilarating spells.

Especially in 2019 where he picked up 43 wickets in just 6 Test matches. He has even outclassed the frontline pacers of the team i.e, Trent Boult and Tim Southee. Such has been his rise that now he has become the beck and call of the skipper Kane Williamson in the longest format of the game.

Moreover, he has also become a crowd favourite because of his ability to create mouth-watering contests whenever the ball is handed over to him. In short, Wagner is making most of his opportunities and in the process, he is also enjoying his moment in the sun. Unfortunately, he is yet to receive a national call-up in the limited-overs format which makes him a one-dimensional pacer. So it seems Wagner will have to bounce out a few more batting units to live out his white-ball dreams.

10. Shaheen Afridi – 6.5/10

To be honest, it is quite disheartening to see the miserable state of the current Pakistan fast-bowling group. Though the country has some exciting fast-bowling talents most of them have been unable to cope up with international pressure. Except for Shaheen Afridi who has been showing positive signs in his handful appearances.

Within a year of his international debut, the 19-year old has become a regular feature of the senior team. Particularly his stocks rose after his awe-inspiring performances in the 2019 World Cup. He bagged 16 wickets in 5 games at a stunning strike rate of 17.6. Thereafter, he continued his upward surge with his impressive outings in the classic format.

In all Shaheen looks a long-term prospect for the Asian team. His versatile skill set coupled with his strong temperament will definitely help the Pakistan pace attack regain their lost charm. However, the country has a habit of producing ephemeral fast-bowling wonders who have failed to maintain their consistency over a longer period of time. So, now it is up to him to rewrite the history but his inexperience might hinder his progress.